What does infrastructure as code provide beyond a script that creates servers?

Infrastructure as code records desired infrastructure in versioned, reviewable configuration and supports reproducible changes through a defined tool workflow. Depending on the tool, state tracks resource identity and a plan shows intended differences before application. Protect state because it may contain sensitive data, coordinate concurrent changes, and detect drift from manual edits. Modules help reuse patte s, but unnecessary abstraction can make changes harder to review. A successful apply is not proof that the application is healthy, so validate operational behavior after provisioning.