Introduction to OpenTofu

OpenTofu is an open-source infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tool that allows you to define and provision infrastructure using a declarative configuration language. It is a community-driven fork of Terraform, created in response to HashiCorp’s decision to change Terraform’s license from open source (MPL 2.0) to the Business Source License (BSL).

OpenTofu aims to be a drop-in replacement for Terraform, continuing the spirit of open collaboration while ensuring long-term sustainability and freedom for the community.

Tip

If you’re already using Terraform, you can switch to OpenTofu with minimal changes. Most .tf files and provider configurations work out of the box.

Why I Chose OpenTofu Instead of Terraform

There are a few reasons why I decided to go with OpenTofu:

1. Truly Open Source

Terraform’s move to BSL created uncertainty for many in the community. OpenTofu stays under an open source license (MPL 2.0), which means:

• No vendor lock-in
• Guaranteed freedom to fork, extend, or use the tool commercially
• Transparency and trust in governance

2. Community-Driven Development

OpenTofu is governed by the Linux Foundation with contributors from across the ecosystem, not just a single company. This means decisions are made with the community’s best interest in mind.

3. Compatibility and Continuity

At the time of writing, OpenTofu is compatible with Terraform v1.5, and the team is working on advancing features without breaking backward compatibility. This ensures a smooth transition without rewriting existing infrastructure code.

4. Long-Term Vision

The OpenTofu team has a public roadmap that reflects a commitment to transparency, innovation, and keeping the tool open and collaborative for the long haul.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a stable, open, and community-focused alternative to Terraform, OpenTofu is worth serious consideration. It reflects the values that made Terraform successful in the first place, while steering clear of restrictive licensing changes.