Infrastructure as Code: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Directions

Watch a 50-minute conference talk exploring the evolution, current state, and future trajectory of Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Learn how server management has transformed from manual processes through various automation tools like Make, CF Engine, Puppet, and Ansible, to modern cloud-native solutions. Understand the key differences between imperative and declarative approaches, the role of Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs), and the emergence of general-purpose languages in infrastructure management. Explore critical concepts including desired state configuration, data center modernization, software-defined control planes, and the challenges of managing stateful environments. Dive into modern tools like CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager, and Kubernetes, while examining how platforms like Pulumi are empowering developers. Gain insights into emerging trends such as policy as code, security considerations, distributed applications, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on infrastructure management. Discover practical solutions for taming complexity, implementing effective testing strategies, and handling configuration drift in modern infrastructure environments.