Identify Different Workspaces

Before we explore the differences between workspaces in Terraform Cloud and workspaces in the Terraform CLI, let’s spend a few moments discussing the difference between Terraform Cloud and Terraform Open-Source Software (OSS). Terraform OSS is the free, open-source CLI that we can download and run on a local system.

Terraform Enterprise

Prior to the announcement of Terraform Cloud in 2019, HashiCorp had a hosted offering called Terraform Enterprise. It was built on top of Terraform OSS while adding several enhancements and additional features. Terraform Enterprise could also run on servers hosted on-premises, which was called Private Terraform Enterprise.

The hosted version of Terraform Enterprise was renamed to Terraform Cloud, which was given several licensing updates and a free tier for teams of five or less. Private Terraform Enterprise was renamed to Terraform Enterprise and continued to run on-premises.

Naturally, this has led to a fair amount of confusion when people refer to Terraform Enterprise, so here’s a helpful reminder:

• Terraform OSS is a free and open-source CLI.

• Terraform Cloud is hosted Terraform for teams (formerly Terraform Enterprise).

• Terraform Enterprise is on-premises Terraform for teams (formerly Private Terraform Enterprise).

We can now talk about workspaces in Terraform OSS vs. workspaces in Terraform Cloud.