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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ addresses common questions and potential pitfalls when using the Terraform Editor API. If you don’t see your question here, check out our Error Handling guide or reach out to us directly.

1. Can I use this API with large Terraform configurations split across multiple files?​

Yes. There’s no limit to how big the code string can be. You can:

  • Concatenate multiple .tf files into one string before sending.
  • Iterate over them individually if you prefer applying edits file by file.
    Make sure the resulting string is valid Terraform syntax so the API can parse it.

2. How do I make sure I’m updating the correct block if multiple blocks share the same label?​

Use selectors:

  • where to match on attribute values.
  • labels if the sub-blocks themselves are labeled (e.g., provisioner "local-exec").
  • index if you really want the nth block in a repeated set.

If multiple blocks still match, you’ll get an AMBIGUOUS_MATCH error.

3. What’s the difference between update and set?​

  • update: Requires that the block already exists. Fails if there’s no match or multiple matches.
  • set: Acts like an “upsert.” If a block is found, it’s updated; if none is found, it’s created. Fails only if there are multiple matches.

4. I keep getting ‘Ambiguous match’ errors. What should I do?​

  • Identify how many blocks share the same type and label.
  • Use a selector (where, index, or labels) to narrow down the target.
  • Check for typos in resource or provider names that might create unexpected duplicates.

5. Can I partially delete attributes without removing the entire block?​

Yes. Under the delete operation, you can pass an array of attribute names. For instance:

"delete": {
  "resource": {
    "aws_instance": {
      "example": [
        {
          "attributes": ["user_data"]
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

This removes only user_data from aws_instance.example but keeps the rest of the block intact.

6. Can I mix different operations (add, update, set, delete) in a single request?​

Yes, absolutely. You can place them all under "edits" in the top-level JSON:

{
  "code": "...",
  "edits": {
    "add": { ... },
    "update": { ... },
    "set": { ... },
    "delete": { ... }
  }
}

Each operation is processed in a consistent order (add → update → set → delete) unless otherwise documented in your version’s specification.

7. Do I need to run terraform fmt after the API modifies my code?​

Not necessarily. The API attempts to keep the Terraform structure properly formatted. However, if you prefer consistent Terraform style, you can always run:

terraform fmt

on your updated files. This is especially helpful in teams that rely on automated code formatting tools or style checks.

8. Why would I get a 500 Internal Server Error?​

A 500 indicates something unexpected happened on the server side—potentially an unhandled edge case. Steps to debug:

  1. Check your request for valid JSON.
  2. Look for large code blocks or unusual syntax that might break the parser.
  3. If the problem persists, contact support and provide your request/response payloads.

9. Can I store the returned code in version control?​

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Treat the edited_code as a new version of your Terraform configuration. This practice allows you to:

  • Rollback easily if needed.
  • Review diffs to understand incremental changes.
  • Collaborate with others on the final code.

10. Will my infrastructure be automatically updated after each edit?​

No. The Terraform Editor API only modifies the code. You still need to run your usual Terraform commands:

terraform plan
terraform apply

This two-step process (edit → apply) helps prevent accidental changes to live infrastructure.

Still Have Questions?​

  • Check out the Error Handling page for more specifics on error codes.
  • Revisit the API Reference if you’re unsure about request or response formats.
  • For advanced usage patterns, see the Guides.
  • Feel free to contact our support or join the community discussions to get help from fellow Terraform Editor API users.