github.com/hugorut/terraform@v1.1.3/website/docs/cli/state/index.mdx (about)

     1  ---
     2  page_title: Manipulating State - Terraform CLI
     3  description: >-
     4    State data tracks which real-world object corresponds to each resource.
     5    Inspect state, move or import resources, and more.
     6  ---
     7  
     8  # Manipulating Terraform State
     9  
    10  > **Hands-on:** Try the [Manage Resources in Terraform State](https://learn.hashicorp.com/tutorials/terraform/state-cli?utm_source=WEBSITE&utm_medium=WEB_IO&utm_offer=ARTICLE_PAGE&utm_content=DOCS) tutorial on HashiCorp Learn.
    11  
    12  Terraform uses [state data](/language/state) to remember which
    13  real-world object corresponds to each resource in the configuration;
    14  this allows it to modify an existing object when its resource declaration
    15  changes.
    16  
    17  Terraform updates state automatically during plans and applies. However, it's
    18  sometimes necessary to make deliberate adjustments to Terraform's state data,
    19  usually to compensate for changes to the configuration or the real managed
    20  infrastructure.
    21  
    22  Terraform CLI supports several workflows for interacting with state:
    23  
    24  - [Inspecting State](/cli/state/inspect)
    25  - [Forcing Re-creation (Tainting)](/cli/state/taint)
    26  - [Moving Resources](/cli/state/move)
    27  - Importing Pre-existing Resources (documented in the
    28    [Importing Infrastructure](/cli/import) section)
    29  - [Disaster Recovery](/cli/state/recover)
    30  
    31  ~> **Important:** Modifying state data outside a normal plan or apply can cause
    32  Terraform to lose track of managed resources, which might waste money, annoy
    33  your colleagues, or even compromise the security of your operations. Make sure
    34  to keep backups of your state data when modifying state out-of-band.