Describe infrastructure as code (IaC) in configuration management.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a methodology that enables the management and provisioning of computing infrastructure through code and automation, rather than through manual processes. By using scripts to define and manage infrastructure, organizations can achieve greater consistency and efficiency. This approach allows for the automation of server configurations, networking, and storage management, among other tasks.

Using scripts means that infrastructure can be easily replicated, version-controlled, and modified as needed, which reduces the potential for human error and ensures that environments remain consistent over time. It also facilitates continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices, making it easier to deploy applications and infrastructure changes in a reliable and repeatable manner.

In contrast, other approaches mentioned do not align with the foundational principles of IaC. For instance, physically building infrastructure involves manual configurations and is not scalable or efficient like automated scripting. Monitoring network security focuses on tracking and safeguarding systems rather than configuring them. Lastly, a strategy for manual configuration lacks the automation and scalability that defines IaC, making it less effective in managing modern infrastructure needs.