About Pulumi
Pulumi is an infrastructure as code platform that takes a rather refreshing approach to cloud management. Instead of forcing developers to learn yet another domain-specific language, Pulumi allows users to define their cloud resources using languages they already know, such as Python, TypeScript, Go, and C#. This is a massive plus for teams that want to leverage existing coding skills rather than force everyone to adapt to a new syntax. In practice, this means that a developer can whip up a cloud stack using familiar constructs like classes and functions, speeding up the whole deployment process significantly.
One standout feature of Pulumi is its AI Copilot. Think of it as your virtual assistant that helps guide you in managing your infrastructure. It’s designed to make those tedious tasks less of a chore, providing suggestions and automating certain processes. For instance, if you’re unsure about the best way to configure a certain resource, the Copilot can provide recommendations based on best practices. However, while it does help boost productivity, I found it a bit hit-or-miss; sometimes it was spot on, and other times, its suggestions felt a bit generic and not tailored to my specific needs.
When it comes to pricing, Pulumi operates on a freemium model, which is all well and good until you hit the limits of the free tier. The basic functionalities are available for free, which is great for individuals and small teams, but larger enterprises will eventually need to consider the paid plans for advanced features and support. This can be a bit of a double-edged sword; while you can start for free, scaling up might lead to unexpected costs if you're not careful. The private module registry is another handy feature, allowing teams to create and share reusable components securely, but you’ll need to weigh whether it’s worth investing in as your needs grow.
In my experience, Pulumi is particularly well-suited for developers and DevOps professionals who are comfortable with coding and want to maintain their existing workflows. However, it might not be the best choice for teams that rely heavily on low-code or no-code solutions, as Pulumi’s strength lies in its coding capabilities. If you're entirely new to coding or prefer a more visual approach, you might find Pulumi frustrating rather than helpful. Overall, Pulumi is a solid option for those looking to get hands-on with their cloud infrastructure while still having the benefit of AI assistance.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
When I first got my hands on Pulumi, I was genuinely intrigued. The idea of using languages I already know, like Python and TypeScript, to manage cloud infrastructure sounded like a breath of fresh air. I’ve spent countless hours learning domain-specific languages for other platforms, so I was eager to see how much time Pulumi could save me. The AI Copilot, which promised to assist with cloud management, added another layer of allure. After all, who wouldn’t want an AI buddy to help navigate the complexities of cloud deployments?
Once I dove in, I quickly realised that Pulumi does deliver on its promise to simplify things. I was able to spin up a cloud stack in no time, using familiar coding constructs. The private module registry was particularly useful; I could create reusable components and share them with my team without the hassle of version control issues. However, the AI Copilot? Well, that was a mixed bag. Some of its suggestions were spot on, guiding me through setups I might have missed. Yet, other times, it felt like it was offering generic advice that didn’t quite fit the task at hand. It’s as if it was trying to be helpful but sometimes missed the mark.
In terms of pricing, Pulumi operates on a freemium model, which is great for individual developers or small teams. However, as your project scales, you might find yourself facing unexpected charges if you’re not careful. I’ve definitely had a moment or two of surprise when I realised certain features I assumed were included were, in fact, part of the paid tier.
Comparing Pulumi to its primary competitors like Terraform, I found Pulumi’s approach to be far more intuitive, especially for developers comfortable with coding. Terraform, while powerful, has its own learning curve with its HashiCorp Configuration Language. In contrast, Pulumi felt like an extension of my existing skills rather than a new hurdle.
Ultimately, Pulumi is perfect for developers and DevOps professionals looking to take control of their cloud infrastructure without needing to learn a new language. That said, if you or your team are not particularly tech-savvy or prefer a more visual approach, you might find Pulumi frustrating. Overall, I’d recommend giving it a try, particularly if you’ve already got some coding chops – just be cautious about those pricing tiers and be prepared to navigate the occasional AI hiccup.
Getting started with Pulumi
In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Pulumi and create your first cloud infrastructure using your preferred programming language. By the end, you'll be ready to manage cloud resources efficiently.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first project
```typescript
import * as aws from "@pulumi/aws";
const bucket = new aws.s3.Bucket("my-bucket");
```
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Use `pulumi preview` before running `pulumi up`. This command shows you what changes will be made without actually deploying them, helping you catch any mistakes early.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid skipping the installation of the Pulumi CLI. If you don't install it correctly, you won't be able to run any Pulumi commands, which will halt your progress. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully.
The Verdict
Pulumi is a solid choice for developers and DevOps teams who want to manage cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages. However, if you're not comfortable with coding or prefer low-code solutions, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s worth a shot for those looking to simplify their cloud management without a steep learning curve.
Best For
- Developers who want to manage cloud resources using familiar programming languages.
- DevOps teams looking to automate their cloud infrastructure deployments.
- Startups needing quick and efficient cloud setups without heavy investment.
- Freelancers managing multiple client projects with varying infrastructure needs.
- Teams wanting to promote collaboration through reusable infrastructure components.
At a Glance
Pulumi transforms cloud management by allowing developers to use familiar programming languages for infrastructure as code. With its AI Copilot, it simplifies deployment tasks and enhances productivity, making it a strong choice for tech-savvy teams.
Strengths
- +The ability to use popular programming languages like Python and TypeScript makes it accessible for developers without needing to learn a new language for infrastructure management.
- +Pulumi's AI Copilot can enhance productivity by providing intelligent suggestions and automating routine tasks, saving time and reducing frustration.
- +The private module registry enables teams to securely share reusable components, promoting collaboration and reducing duplication of effort.
- +It's suitable for a range of project sizes, from small personal projects to large enterprise deployments, making it versatile for different needs.
- +The freemium pricing model allows users to start for free, which is excellent for individuals and small teams to test the waters before committing financially.
Limitations
- -The AI Copilot can sometimes provide generic suggestions that may not fit specific use cases, which can lead to wasted time if you're not careful.
- -The freemium model can be somewhat deceptive; while the basic features are free, scaling up for advanced capabilities may lead to unexpected costs.
- -There's a learning curve for those not familiar with coding, which may alienate non-developers or teams looking for low-code solutions.
- -The documentation, while extensive, can sometimes be overwhelming for newcomers, making it difficult to find the exact information needed quickly.
- -The user interface isn't the most intuitive, which can lead to confusion for those who are less technically inclined.
Use Cases
- -DevOps teams managing cloud infrastructure who want to automate deployments using their preferred coding languages.
- -Software developers who are looking to incorporate infrastructure as code into their existing workflows without learning a new language.
- -Startups needing to quickly prototype and deploy cloud applications without heavy investment in learning curve.
- -Organisations looking to promote collaboration among teams by sharing reusable infrastructure components securely.
- -Freelancers who manage multiple client projects and want to standardise their infrastructure setup across various cloud platforms.
