Infrastructure as a code (IaC) allows you to manage your infrastructure by codifying it instead of manually configuring it. Automating the entire infrastructure will enable you to deliver reliable software with a single source of truth.
IaC completes tasks rapidly with the help of automation. It can also be implemented across multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud deployments. Here are a few best practices you need to adopt to implement efficient IaC.
Immutability
Immutable IaC demands that each component is designed as per exact specifications with no room for individual deviations or fixes. Additionally, servers are never updated after deployment, which lowers failures, enhances security, and makes it apparent to track and record changes.
Inconsistencies across configuration environments emit unpalatable results to businesses. Therefore, immutability in IaC avoids configuration drifts. It would be best if local snowflake reconfiguring and tweaking a running system after one change is avoided.
An efficient immutability practice allows consistency and a higher level of support, diminishing server patching issues. It would be best if you simply made all the amendments via the configuration file, and then you will need to redeploy when it needs any updates.
Also Read: Challenges of Building an OTT Infrastructure
Test Integrations and Deployments with CI/CD
Continuous integration (CI) and testing & deployment are powerful ways to manage all the amendments in an IaC code. Regular testing of infrastructure configuration plays a vital role in eliminating post-deployment issues. You will need to perform tests like unit, integration, and regression as per requirements.
These tests can be performed in an automated way every time there is a modification in the code. At the same time, the configuration security needs to be tested and monitored regularly.
Developers need to adopt DevSecOps to track the threats with the help of security personnel that would coordinate with you to ensure the security of the software development lifecycle. With the help of CI in place, the infrastructure template configuration can be deployed in multiple environments such as the dev, UAT, and QA.
Modularity
Vast batches of monolithic codes are difficult to manage compared to small changes and micro services. It is easy to spot incremental changes in modules that can be tested and prompted into use one by one, resonating with the micro-service architecture.
This enables you to develop, manage and maintain applications in numerous deployment units. Therefore, it is easier to test a small change and ensure it is rapid enough to reverse or fix small changes. Additionally, defining everything in a single file is inefficient as it breaks each configuration factor.
A vital advantage of modularity is that it incorporates restriction in the number of configuration changes with greater access control and efficient dependency management.
Also Read: Procyon raises USD 6.5M to provide multi-cloud access management for DevOps teams
Minimize Documents and Cultivate Code in Version Control System
IaC consists of enough data that fulfills the need for documentation. Traditionally, you would have required documentation to ensure there are no spaces for inconsistencies. IaC represents a document and all the crucial data that helps you to find inconsistencies reducing the efforts. Additionally, to manage, track and reconcile the configuration code, the configuration files should be stored in version control systems. This facility provides an audit trail for code changes and allows a peering view or testing of the code before it goes live.
Systems can be reproduced and disposed of with IaC with rapid design changes. You need to adopt these practices to overcome significant IaC challenges like server sprawl, configuration drift, and snowflake servers.
