Terraform is often introduced as an easy DevOps tool.

Install it.
Write a few blocks.
Run terraform apply.

And it works.

Until it does not.

Most Terraform problems juniors face are not syntax issues. They are mental model failures. Terraform is not a script, not a workflow engine, and not a list of steps. It is a planner that compares desired state to reality and then acts.

Terraform does not execute code top to bottom.
It does not care about file order.
It does not “remember” what you meant.

It builds a dependency graph, evaluates identity from your environment, and makes decisions based on state.

If you approach Terraform like Bash or Python, things feel random. Resources create out of order. Authentication behaves differently on each machine. Refactors destroy infrastructure. CI pipelines fail while local runs succeed.

Terraform is deterministic. The confusion comes from misunderstanding how it thinks.

This is why proper Terraform learning must start with mental models before commands. You must understand planning, state, providers, identity flow, and the dependency graph before worrying about clever syntax or modules.

Once that mindset clicks, Terraform stops feeling fragile and starts feeling predictable.

If you are learning Terraform and want to build production-grade instincts instead of copy-paste habits, I break this down step by step in my Terraform Fundamental video series.

👉 Watch the Terraform Fundamental playlist here

Terraform is simple. Mastery comes from thinking correctly.