Which file type is primarily used for writing Terraform configurations?

The primary file type used for writing Terraform configurations is the .tf file. This file type is specifically designed for Terraform's declarative language, HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), which is optimized for expressing infrastructure as code in a structured manner. When you create resources, modules, and other elements in Terraform, you write them in .tf files, allowing Terraform to interpret and apply the desired infrastructure state defined within.

The use of .tf files facilitates a clear and concise syntax that enhances readability and maintainability, which is vital in collaborative environments or when managing complex infrastructures. Additionally, Terraform allows for the split of configurations into multiple .tf files within a single directory, promoting better organization without compromising functionality.

Other file types, while commonly used in the context of infrastructure or configuration management, do not serve as the primary format for Terraform configurations. The .json format, for instance, can be used to represent Terraform configurations since HCL supports a JSON equivalent, but it lacks the readability and user-friendliness of HCL in .tf files. .yaml and .xml are also popular formats in different context applications but are not applicable to Terraform configurations. Thus, .tf is distinctly recognized as the primary file format for Terraform due to its design and integration