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Make terraform apply -refresh-only trigger an Apply phase that republishes outputs to dependent stacks.

Currently, terraform apply -refresh-only in Spacelift does not cause the platform to re-upload the outputs blob to the dependency system. As a result, even when Terraform state changes and new output values exist, downstream stacks continue using stale cached outputs until a full Apply (or dummy output change) is performed.

Requested Behavior

Make terraform apply -refresh-only behave like a normal Apply in terms of output publishing, even if no resources are changed. The run should:

  • Re-upload the stack’s outputs to Spacelift’s dependency system, and

  • Trigger dependency propagation for downstream stacks if outputs differ from the previous cached blob.

Value / Benefit

  • Allows safe, no-change “output refresh” runs to keep dependencies in sync.

  • Reduces manual work (no dummy outputs or forced code changes).

  • Prevents stale dependency values and confusion between UI state vs. dependency cache.

  • Improves reliability for customers automating dependency-based workflows.

Status: 🗑️ Archived1 comment

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Comments1

  • Black Breeze

    •

    Oct 9, 2025

    Can you please explain why would the dependencies change if no resources do? It feels like we need to take a step back and understand this from a broader perspective - perhaps we’re trying to fix a symptom while the problem is a bit deeper?