If you are just starting out in IT, you may have heard the term “Infrastructure as Code” or “IaC.” Maybe someone mentioned it in a meeting or you saw it in a job description. But what does it actually mean? And why is it important?
Let’s walk through it in simple terms.
Traditional IT Compared to Modern IT
Before cloud and automation became mainstream, managing infrastructure usually meant doing everything manually. You would log into a server, install the software, configure the network settings, and make sure everything worked. Every step had to be repeated for each system. Often, there were small differences each time, which could lead to errors or inconsistencies.
This worked for small setups but became a challenge as systems grew. Repeating those steps over and over takes time and increases the chance of mistakes. That is where Infrastructure as Code comes in.
What Does Infrastructure as Code Actually Mean?
Infrastructure as Code is the practice of using configuration files to define and create infrastructure. Instead of clicking through setup menus, you write a file that describes what you want.
This file could include things like:
- How large the virtual machine should be
- What operating system to use
- Which firewall ports to allow
- What software to install
Once written, that file is sent to a tool that reads the instructions and creates everything for you automatically. The result is a reliable, repeatable process that can be shared, stored, and updated just like application code.
Why It Matters
1. Consistency
You get the same result every time. No more wondering why something worked in one environment but not in another.
2. Speed
What used to take hours can now be done in minutes. You can even automate it to run without manual input.
3. Version Tracking
Since it is code, you can store it in Git and see exactly who changed what and when.
4. Collaboration
Teams can work on infrastructure together, review each other’s updates, and test changes in a safe way.
5. Easy to Rebuild
If something breaks, you can delete and rebuild it using the same file. There is no need to remember every step.
A Simple Example
Let’s say your team needs a new virtual machine in Azure.
Without Infrastructure as Code:
You log into the Azure portal, set all the options by hand, and hope you remember them next time.
With Infrastructure as Code:
You write a file that includes all the settings. You can reuse it anytime and share it with your team.
Common Tools Used for Infrastructure as Code
There are a few tools you might hear about as you learn more:
- Terraform – Works with many cloud providers including Azure and AWS
- Bicep – Microsoft’s tool for defining Azure environments
- ARM Templates – Also for Azure, though written in a different format
- Ansible – Often used for configuring systems after they are built
- Pulumi – Lets you use programming languages like Python or JavaScript for defining infrastructure
How to Start Learning
Here is one way to get started:
- Choose a cloud provider like Azure
- Create a free or test environment
- Try building a virtual machine through the portal first
- Learn how to do the same thing using a tool like Bicep or Terraform
- Store your configuration file in Git and make small updates over time
There are free learning paths available through Microsoft Learn and other training platforms that cover these steps.
Final Thoughts
Infrastructure as Code is not just for advanced engineers. It is a powerful concept that can help you be more efficient, avoid mistakes, and grow your skills. By learning it early, you will be in a strong position as your responsibilities grow.
At Exodata, we work with teams of all sizes to adopt these practices in a way that is secure, scalable, and aligned with their business goals. Whether you are just starting or looking to build more advanced environments, we are here to help.
Your journey into IT starts with understanding the tools that power the modern cloud—and Infrastructure as Code is one of the most important.
