Lab
Cloud

Create a null_resource to Use with Your Terraform Configuration

Hey there, Gurus! Welcome to the lab! This lab will demonstrate how to create a `null_resource` that can be used to call a script to run against your newly created Terraform resources. This will allow you to add some functionality and flexibility to your Terraform configuration and perform useful tasks. For instance, in this lab, we will query the status of our EC2 instance and display useful information as our resources get deployed.

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Level

Intermediate

Duration

15m

Last updated

Aug 31, 2025

Challenge

Create a `null_resource`
1. In the terminal, once logged in to your instance, change to the Use_null_resource directory.
2. In the Use_null_resource directory, edit the variables.tf file and add in your ami and subnet_id from the resource_ids.txt file.
3. In the Use_null_resource directory, edit the main.tf file and add the following:
```
resource "null_resource" "ec2_status" {
  provisioner "local-exec" {
    command = "./scripts/health.sh"
  }
}
```
4. Examine the health.sh script in the Use_null_resource/scripts directory to see what it does.
5. Initialize your working directory.
6. Deploy your resources.
Challenge

Confirm Your EC2 Instance Has Been Created
1. Check your outputs to confirm your instance was deployed.
2. Check the lab-provided AWS console or use the AWS CLI to confirm your EC2 instance was created.

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Pluralsight Skills

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Create a null_resource to Use with Your Terraform Configuration

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