What is the function of the 'terraform import' command?

The 'terraform import' command is specifically designed to bring existing resources that are already provisioned in your infrastructure under Terraform management. This allows users to manage resources that were created outside of Terraform, enabling them to create a Terraform configuration that corresponds to these existing resources. By doing so, you can benefit from version control, consistent management, and the ability to manage resource lifecycle through Terraform going forward.

This capability is essential for teams looking to transition to Infrastructure as Code practices without needing to recreate existing resources, thereby minimizing downtime and avoiding potential resource conflicts. It essentially bridges the gap between manually managed infrastructure and infrastructure-as-code approaches, encouraging a more streamlined and automated workflow.