Which statement about the terraform plan output is true?

Which statement about the terraform plan output is true?

• A. It applies changes automatically
• B. It shows what changes will be made to reach the desired state without applying
• C. It modifies the state file
• D. It requires a remote backend

Answer: (B)

Terraform plan gives you a preview of what would change to reach the configuration’s desired state without actually making those changes. It compares the current state (from the state file) with your configuration and determines which resources would be created, updated, or destroyed. This dry-run lets you review the exact actions before applying anything. The state itself isn’t modified during planning; the state only updates when you run apply (or apply a saved plan). You can save a plan with -out and apply that specific plan later to ensure the same changes are executed. A remote backend isn’t required for planning—Terraform can plan with local state or with a remote backend—the backend only affects where the state is stored, not the plan’s ability to show potential changes.

Terraform plan gives you a preview of what would change to reach the configuration’s desired state without actually making those changes. It compares the current state (from the state file) with your configuration and determines which resources would be created, updated, or destroyed. This dry-run lets you review the exact actions before applying anything. The state itself isn’t modified during planning; the state only updates when you run apply (or apply a saved plan). You can save a plan with -out and apply that specific plan later to ensure the same changes are executed. A remote backend isn’t required for planning—Terraform can plan with local state or with a remote backend—the backend only affects where the state is stored, not the plan’s ability to show potential changes.