Virtual_tag_config's `backfill_until` Needs Monthly Updates

by ADMIN 60 views

Introduction

As we continue to evolve and improve our infrastructure management using Terraform and Vantage, we encounter various challenges that require creative solutions. One such challenge arises when using the vantage_virtual_tag_config resource to manage virtual tags. The backfill_until parameter, which determines the point in time up to which data is backfilled, poses a significant inconvenience due to its automatic incrementation each month. In this article, we will delve into the issue, explore potential workarounds, and discuss possible improvements to the provider.

The Problem

When creating a virtual tag with a backfill_until date set to a specific point in the past, such as 2024-01-01, the provider will automatically increment this date to the next month (2024-02-01) each time the plan is executed. This behavior results in a Terraform plan that fails on apply due to a connection error, as the provider attempts to update the virtual tag configuration with a backfill_until date that exceeds the account's retention period.

Example Scenario

Suppose your account has 13 months of history, and you create a virtual tag with Terraform (TF) and set the backfill_until date to 2024-01-01. Each month in 2025, you will encounter a Terraform plan that results in a failure on apply, as shown in the following example:

│ Connection Error: [PUT /virtual_tag_configs/{token}][422]
│ updateVirtualTagConfigUnprocessableEntity {"errors":["Backfill until must
│ be within the account's retention period."]}

Workarounds

To mitigate this issue, we can attempt to work around the problem by setting the backfill_until date to a specific point in the past using a Terraform local variable. For instance, we can use the following code snippet to set the backfill_until date to 13 months ago:

locals {
  thirteen_months_ago = "${formatdate("YYYY-MM", timeadd(timestamp(), "-9360h"))}-01"
}

resource "vantage_virtual_tag_config" "virtual_tags" {
  backfill_until = local.thirteen_months_ago
...
}

However, this approach always produces a diff, even though there are no resource updates upon apply. The plan will always show as a diff, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to manage.

Potential Improvements

Given the current behavior of the backfill_until parameter, it would be beneficial to introduce a magic keyword, such as backfill_until = "all", that allows the provider to ignore the automatic incrementation of the date. This would simplify the management of virtual tags and reduce the likelihood of encountering connection errors during the Terraform plan execution.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of the backfill_until parameter in the vantage_virtual_tag_config resource automatically incrementing each month, leading to connection errors during Terraform plan execution. We also discussed potential workarounds and proposed improvements to the provider. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the topic, addressing common questions and concerns related to the backfill_until parameter.

Q: What is the purpose of the backfill_until parameter?

A: The backfill_until parameter determines the point in time up to which data is backfilled for a virtual tag. This parameter is essential for ensuring that the virtual tag configuration is accurate and up-to-date.

Q: Why does the backfill_until parameter automatically increment each month?

A: The backfill_until parameter is designed to automatically increment each month to ensure that the virtual tag configuration remains accurate and up-to-date. However, this behavior can lead to connection errors during Terraform plan execution if the incrementation exceeds the account's retention period.

Q: What are the consequences of the backfill_until parameter automatically incrementing each month?

A: The automatic incrementation of the backfill_until parameter can result in connection errors during Terraform plan execution, as the provider attempts to update the virtual tag configuration with a date that exceeds the account's retention period. This can lead to frustration and wasted time, especially for users who rely on Terraform for infrastructure management.

Q: Are there any workarounds for the backfill_until parameter automatically incrementing each month?

A: Yes, there are workarounds available. For example, you can use a Terraform local variable to set the backfill_until date to a specific point in the past. However, these workarounds often result in diffs and can be time-consuming to manage.

Q: What is the proposed solution to address the issue of the backfill_until parameter automatically incrementing each month?

A: One proposed solution is to introduce a magic keyword, such as backfill_until = "all", that allows the provider to ignore the automatic incrementation of the date. This would simplify the management of virtual tags and reduce the likelihood of encountering connection errors during Terraform plan execution.

Q: How can users contribute to the improvement of the backfill_until parameter?

A: Users can contribute to the improvement of the backfill_until parameter by providing feedback and suggestions to the provider. This can be done through official channels, such as issue trackers or community forums. By working together, users and the provider can create a more efficient and user-friendly infrastructure management experience.

Q: What are the benefits of improving the backfill_until parameter?

A: Improving the backfill_until parameter would have several benefits, including:

  • Simplified management of virtual tags
  • Reduced likelihood of encountering connection errors during Terraform plan execution
  • Improved user experience and productivity
  • Enhanced reliability and accuracy of infrastructure management

Conclusion

The backfill_until parameter in the vantage_virtual_tag_config resource poses a significant challenge due to its automatic incrementation each month. By understanding the purpose and behavior of this parameter, users can better manage their virtual tags and infrastructure. By working together with the provider, users can contribute to the improvement of the backfill_until parameter, leading to a more efficient and user-friendly infrastructure management experience.