Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) means infrastructure is described, versioned, and managed – just like software code.
For developers: reproducible environments.
For operators: fewer manual errors.
For decision-makers: more transparency and security.
And for us: the professional standard for operating reliable systems.
What is Infrastructure as Code?
Instead of setting up infrastructure manually (clicking through server panels, configuring firewalls, setting access), it’s described in code and applied automatically – using formats like YAML, HCL, or even generated code (e.g., in Rust).
These definitions can be:
- stored (e.g. in Git)
- applied automatically (e.g. via Terraform, Ansible, or custom pipelines)
- tested, reviewed, and versioned
Infrastructure becomes reproducible, documented, and auditable – like any productive system.
Why does it matter?
Manual infrastructure work is error-prone:
- Configurations change silently
- Documentation falls behind
- Knowledge is siloed
With IaC, you gain clear advantages:
- Reproducibility – setups can be rebuilt anytime
- Versioning – all changes are trackable
- Automation – no clicking, no copy-pasting
- Transparency – ideal for audits, GDPR, or ISO standards
If you don’t document your infrastructure, you don’t control it.
If it’s not versioned, you’ll lose track eventually.
Common Tools & Concepts
- Terraform – provider-based, declarative, widely used
- Ansible – stateless, ideal for configuration management
- Helm/Kustomize – for Kubernetes-specific IaC
- GitOps – IaC combined with automated deployments via Git
IaC is a mindset, not a specific tool – the right tool depends on your team, setup, and maturity level.
How we use IaC at RiKuWe
We build and operate all infrastructure as code:
- All systems, clusters, and configs are versioned
- Changes happen via Git – with review and approval
- Backups, monitoring, alerts – all defined, documented, and reproducible
- Kubernetes setups are fully generated from code
No black-box servers. No surprises in production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Infrastructure as Code (IaC)?
IaC means infrastructure is not set up manually, but described in code – e.g., using Terraform, Ansible, or custom tools. This makes it automatable, versioned, and reproducible.
Why is IaC better than manual setup?
Manual processes are error-prone and often undocumented. IaC brings transparency, enables automation, and makes changes traceable – crucial for quality, security, and compliance.
Which tools are best for IaC?
Popular tools include Terraform, Ansible, Helm, and Kustomize. What matters most is the fit with your team and setup – at RiKuWe, we often combine proven tools with custom pipelines.
Is IaC only relevant for large companies?
Not at all. Smaller teams benefit just as much – especially when time and resources are limited. IaC saves time, reduces errors, and brings clarity.
How do I get started with IaC?
Start small – for example, with backups or a Kubernetes namespace. Version it, automate it – and build from there.
Infrastructure as Code with RiKuWe
Compliance-ready system architecture
Kubernetes & GitOps setups
