# Template

Templates are written in
[Terraform](https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/intro) and define the
underlying infrastructure that all Coder workspaces run on.

The [template builder](/beta-docs/admin/templates/creating-templates/#template-builder) is
the recommended way to create templates. It guides you through selecting base
infrastructure, adding modules, and configuring your template without writing
Terraform.

## Learn the concepts [#learn-the-concepts]

While templates are written in standard Terraform, it's important to learn the Coder-specific concepts behind templates.
The best way to learn the concepts is by [creating a basic template from scratch](/beta-docs/tutorials/template-from-scratch/).
If you are unfamiliar with Terraform, see [HashiCorp's Tutorials](https://developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials) for common cloud providers.

## Create a template [#create-a-template]

The fastest way to get started is with the
[template builder](/beta-docs/admin/templates/creating-templates/#template-builder), which
composes a working template from a base infrastructure template and optional
registry modules. Starter templates for popular platforms (AWS, Kubernetes,
Docker, and others) are available as base templates in the builder, or through
the [CLI](/beta-docs/admin/templates/creating-templates/#cli).

## Extending templates [#extending-templates]

It's often necessary to extend the template to make it generally useful to end
users. Common modifications are:

* Your image(s) (e.g. a Docker image with languages and tools installed). Docs:
  [Image management](/beta-docs/admin/templates/managing-templates/image-management/).
* Additional parameters (e.g. disk size, instance type, or region). Docs:
  [Template parameters](/beta-docs/admin/templates/extending-templates/parameters/).
* Additional IDEs (e.g. JetBrains) or features (e.g. dotfiles, RDP). Docs:
  [Adding IDEs and features](/beta-docs/admin/templates/extending-templates/).

Learn more about the various ways you can
[extend your templates](/beta-docs/admin/templates/extending-templates/).

## Best Practices [#best-practices]

We recommend starting with a universal template that can be used for basic
tasks. As your Coder deployment grows, you can create more templates to meet the
needs of different teams.

* [Image management](/beta-docs/admin/templates/managing-templates/image-management/): Learn how to
  create and publish images for use within Coder workspaces & templates.
* [Dev Containers integration](/beta-docs/admin/integrations/devcontainers/integration/): Enable
  native dev containers support using `@devcontainers/cli` and Docker.
* [Envbuilder](/beta-docs/admin/integrations/devcontainers/envbuilder/): Alternative approach
  for environments without Docker access.
* [Template hardening](/beta-docs/admin/templates/extending-templates/resource-persistence/#-bulletproofing):
  Configure your template to prevent certain resources from being destroyed
  (e.g. user disks).
* [Manage templates with Ci/Cd pipelines](/beta-docs/admin/templates/managing-templates/change-management/):
  Learn how to source control your templates and use GitOps to ensure template
  changes are reviewed and tested.
* [Permissions and Policies](/beta-docs/admin/templates/template-permissions/): Control who may access
  and modify your template.
* [External Workspaces](/beta-docs/admin/templates/managing-templates/external-workspaces/): Learn how to connect your existing infrastructure to Coder workspaces.

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