Working around Terraform data source limitations on AWS - AWS Prescriptive Guidance

Working around Terraform data source limitations on AWS

Ram Kandaswamy, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

May 2025 (document history)

This guide provides automated solutions for handling one-time DevOps setup tasks that can't be addressed with standard resources when using HashiCorp Terraform on AWS. It covers two use cases: revision management for AWS Batch job definitions and Amazon Bedrock agent deployments.

The guide discusses how you can use null resources and other key components in Terraform to extend your infrastructure automation beyond traditional resource boundaries. The terraform_data type lets you inject custom scripts, run remote commands, and orchestrate complex deployment scenarios. By implementing null resources, you can create adaptive infrastructure that meets your unique operational challenges. This solution helps you transition from manual interventions to a programmable infrastructure that simplifies your DevOps process.

About Terraform

Terraform is a popular infrastructure as code (IaC) tool by HashiCorp that enables users to define and manage their cloud and on-premises infrastructure by using a human-readable configuration file. As an IaC tool, Terraform solves the problem of manual provisioning and managing of infrastructure, which can be time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to replicate. You can write infrastructure configurations in a declarative language, such as YAML or HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), and then use Terraform to create and manage the corresponding infrastructure resources.

AWS provides a native IaC feature with the AWS CloudFormation service. Some organizations use Terraform to manage their infrastructure, especially when they have hybrid cloud and on-premises resource management needs.

Targeted business outcomes

Using the solutions described in this guide to define and manage your infrastructure provides the following benefits:

  • Protecting enterprise investments: The terraform_data type in Terraform extends traditional enterprise systems with cloud infrastructure when standard resources are insufficient. It runs custom scripts, commands, and processes to maintain business continuity during cloud migrations. You can integrate your existing tools and workflows into your DevOps processes while meeting compliance requirements that differ from standard cloud configurations. This helps you enforce specific policies and perform specialized actions beyond what traditional Terraform resources can provide.

  • Business agility: Terraform's modular architecture supports complex deployments and system integrations through the use of custom provisioners. Your teams can build solutions for unique technical challenges without waiting for official provider support. This capability helps you:

    • Manage mixed environments of legacy and cloud systems.

    • Implement rapid prototypes of new infrastructure patterns.

    • Adapt quickly to changing business requirements.

    • Support ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

  • Business continuity: You can use custom provisioners and null resources to automate infrastructure operations by:

    • Eliminating manual interventions in deployment workflows.

    • Reducing human error in processes.

    • Orchestrating system updates with minimal downtime.

    • Maintaining uninterrupted business operations during infrastructure changes.