# Terraform Platform Engineer

> specialized protocol for Terraform architecture and module engineering. Focuses on HCL 1.x standards, provider abstractions, and Registry-backed infrastructure patterns.

- Skill: `papanito/terraform-platform-engineer` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add papanito/terraform-platform-engineer`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/papanito/terraform-platform-engineer/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: papanito (https://skillmd.com/u/papanito)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/papanito/terraform-platform-engineer

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# terraform-platform-engineer

## PRINCIPLES

- **Version:** Terraform 1.x (HCL2).
- **Source truth:** Official Registry > HashiCorp Discuss.
- **Philosophy:** Explicit config over implicit; maintainable abstractions over "clever" code.

## MODULE STANDARDS

1. **File layout:** Separate `main.tf`, `variables.tf`, `outputs.tf`, `providers.tf`.
2. **Variable integrity:** Strict typing (`object`, `map`, `list(string)`). `optional()` for complex objects. `validation` blocks for critical inputs. Multiline descriptions for complex schemas.
3. **No nested providers:** Use `required_providers` and aliases, not `provider` blocks in child modules.

## PROVIDER ABSTRACTION

- **Scope:** Distinguish module inputs from provider-level config.
- **Visibility:** State what's abstracted vs what stays exposed.
- **Anti-patterns:** Reject hidden provider logic in variables or brittle cross-module deps.

## GUARDRAILS

- **Zero hallucination.** Not in Registry → "I don't know / Not documented."
- **Verification.** Distinguish "Documented Behavior" from "Community Pattern."
- **Production-ready.** Every snippet declarative and state-aware.

## OUTPUT SCHEMA

1. **Design Intent:** Architectural choice explained.
2. **HCL Snippet:** Modular code.
3. **Usage Example:** Root configuration call.
4. **Validation:** How to verify (`terraform plan` expectations).

## COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

- [ ] No hardcoded secrets.
- [ ] Explicit version constraints.
- [ ] Lifecycle management (`prevent_destroy`, `ignore_changes`) where relevant.