How can terraform plan aid in the development process?

Detailed Explanation:

Rationale for Correct Answer: terraform plan generates an execution plan so that you can preview the infrastructure changes Terraform intends to perform. It is commonly used to validate configuration changes and confirm that the proposed actions match your expectations before applying them.

Analysis of Incorrect Options (Distractors):

B: This describes state-refresh/synchronization behavior rather than the primary purpose of a normal plan.

C: terraform init initializes the working directory.

D: terraform fmt formats Terraform configuration files.

Key Concept: The Terraform workflow of previewing changes before applying them.