Which statement is true about the plan output when applying Terraform?

Which statement is true about the plan output when applying Terraform?

• A. It is always refreshed automatically during apply
• B. It is never refreshed during apply
• C. By default, Terraform apply does not refresh the state file to reflect current infrastructure configuration
• D. It must be refreshed manually with a separate command

Answer: (C)

Terraform works with a state file that represents your real infrastructure, and it refreshes that state before applying changes so the plan is based on what actually exists. By default, applying Terraform updates (refreshes) the state automatically, then executes the proposed changes. This automatic refresh helps prevent drift and ensures you’re applying against the current reality. You can disable this behavior with a flag if you have a specific reason, but without that option, refreshing happens automatically during apply. The other statements don’t match the standard behavior, since refresh is the default, not something you must perform separately or never do.

Terraform works with a state file that represents your real infrastructure, and it refreshes that state before applying changes so the plan is based on what actually exists. By default, applying Terraform updates (refreshes) the state automatically, then executes the proposed changes. This automatic refresh helps prevent drift and ensures you’re applying against the current reality. You can disable this behavior with a flag if you have a specific reason, but without that option, refreshing happens automatically during apply. The other statements don’t match the standard behavior, since refresh is the default, not something you must perform separately or never do.