KodeKloud Notes

In this lesson, we explore the skip attribute in Terragrunt: a powerful boolean flag that controls whether a specific module runs Terraform commands. By leveraging skip, you can conditionally bypass apply, destroy, and other operations—ideal for tailoring complex infrastructure workflows.

Why Use the skip Attribute?

Customize multi-module deployments without removing configuration
Temporarily disable modules under development or testing
Avoid unintentional changes in non-critical environments

Note

Use the skip flag to control module execution dynamically, ensuring only ready and tested modules are deployed.

Key Considerations

Skipping critical modules can lead to incomplete infrastructure
Ensure dependencies are met before disabling a module

The image features a diagram with three stacked rectangles connected by arrows, accompanied by the text "Use it judiciously" and a button labeled "Considerations."

Warning

Never set skip = true on production-critical modules. Always verify dependencies to prevent configuration drift.

skip Attribute Options

skip Value	Description
true	Bypasses Terraform actions on the module
false	Executes Terraform actions normally

Example: Skipping a VPC Module

Imagine you have a VPC module under development. To prevent Terraform from applying it, add skip = true in your terragrunt.hcl:

terraform {
  source = "tfr://terraform-aws-modules/vpc/aws//?version=5.8.1"
}

include "root" {
  path   = find_in_parent_folders()
  expose = true
}

inputs = {
  name = "KodeKloud-VPC"
  cidr = "10.100.0.0/16"
}

download_dir     = "../.terragrunt-kodekloud"
prevent_destroy  = false
skip             = true

Running terragrunt apply:

~/workspace/vpc $ terragrunt apply
INFO[0000] Skipping terragrunt module /config/workspace/vpc/terragrunt.hcl due to skip = true.
~/workspace/vpc $

Terragrunt detects skip = true and leaves the VPC unchanged.

Enabling the Module

When you're ready to deploy, set skip to false or remove it:

terraform {
  source = "tfr://terraform-aws-modules/vpc/aws//?version=5.8.1"
}

include "root" {
  path   = find_in_parent_folders()
  expose = true
}

inputs = {
  name = "KodeKloud-VPC"
  cidr = "10.100.0.0/16"
}

download_dir     = "../.terragrunt-kodekloud"
prevent_destroy  = false
skip             = false

Then run:

~/workspace/vpc $ terragrunt apply
...
Are you sure you want to perform these actions?
  Terraform will perform the actions described above.
  Only 'yes' will be accepted to approve.

  Enter a value: yes
...
Apply complete! Resources: 1 added, 0 changed, 0 destroyed.

With skip disabled, Terragrunt proceeds to create the VPC as expected.

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