What file type does Terraform use for configuration files?

Terraform uses the .tf file extension for its configuration files. This specific file type is essential because it denotes configuration written in HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), which is a declarative language designed to describe the desired state of infrastructure resources.

Using .tf files allows developers and operators to define resources such as virtual machines, networking components, and storage more intuitively and readably, promoting clarity and ease of management. Additionally, Terraform can interpret these files natively and provides functionalities like variable management, modules, and resource dependencies directly within this context.

While other file formats exist in the broader ecosystem, such as .json which can also represent Terraform configurations, the primary and most common format is the .tf file. This makes it the preferred and standardized choice for writing and managing Terraform configurations effectively.