Choosing Between Terraform and Crossplane for Infrastructure Management in Kubernetes

When it comes to infrastructure as code (IAC), there are two popular tools to consider if you’re using Kubernetes: Terraform and Crossplane. Both have their strengths, but which one is right for your use case? Having worked with both, here are my insights on making this decision.

Crossplane: Kubernetes-Native with Continuous Reconciliation

Crossplane is a relatively new IAC tool (introduced in 2019) and is designed specifically for Kubernetes. Everything in Crossplane is treated as a Kubernetes resource, meaning that infrastructure is continuously reconciled by Kubernetes controllers. This makes Crossplane a great option if you’re aiming for a Kubernetes-native approach to managing infrastructure.

Despite being newer and less established than Terraform, Crossplane has a strong and growing community. The ecosystem around Crossplane continues to expand, offering providers for major cloud platforms. It also integrates seamlessly with GitOps tools like Flux CD or Argo CD, making it a strong choice if you’re already using GitOps practices.

However, as with any emerging technology, there are risks. Some of the cloud providers may not be as mature as Terraform’s offerings, and troubleshooting can be more challenging. But in my experience, the community has been incredibly supportive, and new features are consistently improving the overall user experience.

Terraform: A Stable, Proven Solution

Terraform is the more established and widely used IAC tool. It’s stable and has extensive support across the cloud ecosystem. If you’re looking for a battle-tested solution, Terraform is a safe bet. Many large organizations rely on Terraform, and it has a vast library of providers, so issues tend to get resolved quickly.

One downside is that Terraform isn’t Kubernetes-native, so you’ll need to manage infrastructure outside of your Kubernetes cluster. You’ll also need to set up scripts and pipelines to trigger reconciliation processes manually, unlike Crossplane’s continuous reconciliation. That said, these are not dealbreakers, and Terraform’s reliability makes it a strong contender for most infrastructure needs.

Conclusion: Terraform or Crossplane?

Both tools have their place depending on your goals. If you’re heavily invested in Kubernetes and want everything managed as a Kubernetes resource, Crossplane offers a compelling solution. If you prefer a more established, stable option with wider support, Terraform remains a solid choice.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your team’s expertise and your long-term infrastructure strategy.