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World T2: Inputs & Outputs

Outputs

You will learn: to share built values with outputs, and read them with tofu output.

Checked with OpenTofu 1.13 on 1 Nov 2026

The problem

OpenTofu picked a random stall name. The menu printer needs that name. Where does your teammate find it?

Try it

Build it, then read the outputs: tofu apply, yes, then tofu output.

Blueprint (your .tf files)init done

  • local_file.signnot built yet
  • random_pet.stallnot built yet

Built (the state file)

Nothing built yet.

Blueprint: 2 resources. Built: 0.

Change a file, then run tofu plan to see what it means.

An output: A value the blueprint shares after apply, like a stall's name. tofu output prints it. is a value the blueprint shares after apply.

Watch

A script needs just the name, with no quotes. Build that command.

Tap the pieces in the right order.

…

Predict

You add only a new output block, nothing else. What does the plan say?

Try it

Open outputs.tf. Add the output below. Then tofu apply, and yes.

Blueprint (your .tf files)init done

  • local_file.signnot built yet
  • random_pet.stallnot built yet

Built (the state file)

Nothing built yet.

Blueprint: 2 resources. Built: 0.

Change a file, then run tofu plan to see what it means.

output "sign_filename" {
  value = local_file.sign.filename
}

Check

A good output or not?

Swipe right for good, left for needs work. Or use the buttons.

1 / 3

The stall name, for the menu printer

You did it!

You can now share built values with outputs.

Go deeper (optional)

tofu output -json prints every output as JSON for other programs. sensitive = true on an output hides it on screen; tofu output -raw still shows it. Outputs also pass values out of modules (World T4).