Pulumi vs. Terraform
Pulumi and HashiCorp Terraform are both declarative infrastructure as code tools with overlapping capabilities and several meaningful differences. Pulumi lets you define infrastructure in general-purpose languages (Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go, .NET, Java, or YAML) and supports any cloud or SaaS provider through the Pulumi Registry; Terraform uses HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) with HashiCorp’s provider ecosystem.
This page covers what each tool is, a feature-by-feature comparison, the most important differences in detail, and the available paths for adopting Pulumi alongside or instead of Terraform.
What is Pulumi?
Pulumi is an infrastructure as code platform for provisioning and managing resources across any cloud or SaaS platform. Pulumi programs are written in general-purpose programming languages — Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go, .NET, and Java — as well as YAML. The Pulumi Registry covers all major clouds, including first-party native providers that are generated from upstream API schemas for same-day coverage of new platform features. The Pulumi CLI and SDKs are open source under the Apache 2.0 license. Pulumi Cloud is the commercial product that adds managed state, secrets, RBAC, audit logs, policy management, and other features for running Pulumi at organizational scale.
Pulumi’s provider ecosystem covers the major hyperscalers and SaaS platforms. Several providers are generated directly from upstream API schemas, including Kubernetes, Azure Native, AWS Cloud Control, and Google Cloud Native, so new resources and API versions land without waiting for a hand-authored release.
What is Terraform?
Terraform is an infrastructure as code tool created by HashiCorp (acquired by IBM in February 2025). Programs are written in HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL), a domain-specific language. Terraform supports many cloud and SaaS providers through its provider ecosystem. The Terraform CLI is distributed under the Business Source License 1.1, and HashiCorp also offers HCP Terraform (formerly Terraform Cloud) and Terraform Enterprise as commercial products for managed state, remote runs, policy, and team workflows.
Detailed comparison
| Feature | Pulumi | Terraform |
|---|---|---|
| Language support | Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go, .NET, Java, and YAML | HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) |
| Cloud and service support | Pulumi Registry of packages | HashiCorp- and community-maintained providers in the Terraform Registry |
| Transpiled to another format? | No | No |
| State management | Managed by Pulumi Cloud by default | Local files by default |
| Secrets management | Encrypted in transit and at rest | Sensitive values are not encrypted |
| Execution model | Local CLI, programmatic via Automation API | Local CLI or remote runs |
| Rollback on failed operation | Depends on reconciliations towards the desired state | Leaves the workspace partially-applied |
| Programmatic API for tools and platforms | Automation API | No equivalent |
| Modularity and reuse | Pulumi Packages | Terraform modules |
| Import existing resources | pulumi import |
terraform import |
| Policy as code | Pulumi Policies | Sentinel |
| Open source | Yes — Apache License 2.0 | No — Business Source License 1.1 |
| Commercial option | Pulumi Cloud | HCP Terraform / Terraform Enterprise |
Key differences
Language support and the authoring experience
Terraform requires HCL, a domain-specific language designed for configuration. HCL fits compactly into small projects but lacks the abstractions of a general-purpose language. Pulumi programs are written in general-purpose languages, so authors get familiar programming constructs and features without additional friction.
Provider and cloud coverage
Both tools have large provider ecosystems. Pulumi can adapt any existing Terraform provider into a Pulumi provider allowing broader integration.
Execution and orchestration
Both tools provide managed remote-run services, with Pulumi offering an Automation API that enhances programmability.
Secrets handling
Pulumi treats secrets as a first-class primitive with robust encryption, while Terraform requires integration with external tools for secret management.
Policy as code
Pulumi offers an open-source policy framework, while Terraform relies on a proprietary system that is only available in paid plans.
Modularity and reuse
Pulumi's Component Resources offer a more flexible approach to structuring code, while Terraform modules are more rigid.
When to choose Pulumi vs. Terraform
Choose Pulumi when:
- Favoring general-purpose languages for infrastructure definitions.
- Needing an embeddable SDK for deployments.
- Requiring built-in secrets encryption.
- Preferring open-source policy solutions.
Choose Terraform when:
- Having an established investment in HCL and existing modules.
- Relying on specific features exclusive to HCP Terraform.
- Having a limited scope with available providers in Terraform Registry.
Adoption: coexistence, conversion, and import
- Use Terraform alongside Pulumi while gradually adopting new work in Pulumi.
- Store Terraform state in Pulumi Cloud for enhanced management features.
- Use existing Terraform providers within Pulumi programs.
- Convert existing HCL to Pulumi using
pulumi convert. - Import current resources into Pulumi management.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pulumi use existing Terraform providers?
Yes, Pulumi can adapt any provider published in the Terraform Registry into a Pulumi provider.
How do I migrate from Terraform to Pulumi?
You have several options: convert HCL, import resources, or reference existing Terraform state.