What does the 'terraform plan' command do?

The 'terraform plan' command is designed to create an execution plan that outlines the changes Terraform intends to make to the infrastructure based on the current state and the desired state defined in the configuration files. This command provides a preview of what modifications will be applied, allowing users to review and confirm the planned actions before any actual changes are implemented.

By displaying a detailed plan of actions, such as resources that will be created, updated, or destroyed, 'terraform plan' helps prevent unintended consequences by offering visibility into the potential impact of running the 'terraform apply' command. This review process is crucial in ensuring that changes align with expectations and adheres to best practices for infrastructure management.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of the 'terraform plan' command. It does not apply changes, which is the responsibility of the 'terraform apply' command. It also does not display the current state directly; that is typically revealed through commands like 'terraform show' or by referring to the state file. Additionally, it does not delete existing resources; deletions would occur as part of the actions outlined in the execution plan if they are designated for removal based on the configurations.