Stacker vs Terraform: What are the differences?
Introduction:
When evaluating Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, Stacker and Terraform are two popular options that offer similar functionalities but with some distinct differences. Understanding these variations can help in choosing the right tool for a specific project.
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Configuration Language:
Stacker uses Python as its configuration language, allowing developers to leverage existing Python functionality and libraries. On the other hand, Terraform uses its own language called HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), specifically designed for infrastructure configuration.
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State Management:
Terraform maintains stateful information about the infrastructure being managed, storing it in a state file which can be stored locally or remotely. Stacker, on the other hand, does not have built-in state management capabilities and relies on external services like AWS CloudFormation for handling state.
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Ecosystem Integration:
Terraform has a robust ecosystem with a wide range of plugins and modules available in the Terraform Registry, enabling easy integration with various cloud providers and services. Stacker, being built on top of AWS CloudFormation, integrates seamlessly with AWS services but may lack the same level of versatility when working with other cloud providers.
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Execution Model:
Terraform follows a declarative approach where users define the desired end state, and Terraform takes care of reaching and maintaining that state. Stacker, however, uses a more imperative approach where users define a series of actions to be executed sequentially, allowing for more fine-grained control over the deployment process.
Summary:
In summary, the key differences between Stacker and Terraform lie in their configuration language, state management capabilities, ecosystem integration, and execution models, ultimately influencing the decision-making process when selecting an IaC tool for a project.
