# Importing Existing Resources — Terraform

Source: https://www.skillbyai.com/en/terraform/r-import

> Bring hand-made infrastructure under management.

## import blocks and generated config

Resources created by hand or by other tools can be adopted with an `import` block (`to` the address, `id` the provider's identifier). `terraform plan -generate-config-out=generated.tf` can draft the matching configuration, which you then clean up. The plan shows imports before apply; after applying, Terraform manages the resource. Import one resource or group at a time, and check the plan shows no unintended changes after the import.

## Importing an existing bucket (sketch)

Not run here; it needs a cloud account or a remote backend.

```hcl
import {
  to = aws_s3_bucket.assets
  id = "acme-shop-assets"
}

# then:
#   terraform plan -generate-config-out=generated.tf
#   review generated.tf, move it into your code, plan until "no changes"
```

## Aim for "no changes" after import

Adjust the configuration until the plan after import shows no changes, proving the code matches reality.

**Quiz:** What does an import block do?

- [ ] Downloads a module
- [ ] Creates a new copy of the resource
- [ ] Deletes the resource
- [x] Adopts an existing real resource into Terraform state at a given address

*Answer:* Adopts an existing real resource into Terraform state at a given address. Bring existing infrastructure under management.