As a Terraform developer, you may be wondering which method is the most optimal for creating deployments with vRA provider. In this blog post, we will compare three methods for creating deployments with vRA: using cloud templates and element catalog, creating deployments from scratch with Terraform, and using blueprints.

Method 1: Using Cloud Templates and Element Catalog

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The first method is to use cloud templates and element catalog provided by vRA. This method is simple and easy to understand, but it has some limitations. For example, you cannot create custom resource types or modify existing resources. Additionally, the element catalog is not always up-to-date, and you may need to manually update it.

Method 2: Creating Deployments from Scratch with Terraform

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The second method is to create deployments from scratch with Terraform. This method provides more flexibility and control over your infrastructure, but it can be more complex and time-consuming. You need to define all the resources manually, including their dependencies and relationships. Additionally, you need to handle the lifecycle of your resources, such as creating, updating, and deleting them.

Method 3: Using Blueprints

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The third method is to use blueprints provided by vRA. This method combines the benefits of using cloud templates and element catalog with the flexibility of Terraform. You can create custom resource types and modify existing resources, and the element catalog is automatically updated. Additionally, you can define your deployments in a more declarative way, which makes it easier to understand and maintain.

Comparison of Methods

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Now, let’s compare these three methods based on some key factors:

| Factor | Method 1 (Cloud Templates and Element Catalog) | Method 2 (Creating Deployments from Scratch with Terraform) | Method 3 (Using Blueprints) |

| — | — | — | — |

| Ease of use | Simple and easy to understand | More complex and time-consuming | Combines simplicity and flexibility |

| Flexibility | Limited customization options | Full control over resources and their dependencies | Custom resource types and modifications allowed |

| Maintenance | Manual updates required for element catalog | Automatic updates through Terraform | Declarative definitions make it easier to understand and maintain |

Conclusion

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In conclusion, using blueprints provided by vRA is the most optimal method for creating deployments with Terraform. It combines the benefits of using cloud templates and element catalog with the flexibility of Terraform, making it easier to understand and maintain your deployments. However, if you prefer a more declarative approach and are comfortable with the complexity of defining resources from scratch, then creating deployments from scratch with Terraform may be the better choice for you.