Using Outputs References

Use the outputs of one environment as inputs for another to compose modular, cross-layer infrastructure architectures

Overview

Output References in Bluebricks allow you to use the outputs of one environment as inputs for another. This creates a powerful way to compose infrastructure across layers, enabling teams to build modular architectures where higher-level environments automatically consume values produced by foundational or shared environments.

By linking environments through output references, Bluebricks ensures consistency, reduces duplication, and provides a clean interface for passing cross-collection or cross-service dependencies, such as network configurations, credentials, resource identifiers, or endpoints.

How Output References Work

Each environment exposes its outputs once a run completes successfully. These outputs can be referenced directly as inputs in another environment’s configuration. Bluebricks ensures:

• Automatic resolution of referenced outputs during run execution

• Type-safe and consistent value propagation across collections

• Easy change management by automatically tracking related resources

This turns each environment into a reusable building block that can feed data into any number of dependent environments.

Environment page with output references of vgw_id and vpc_id

Cloud graph showing related resources

Common Use Cases

1. Shared “Master” Resources

A common pattern is creating a core set of foundational resources (such as networking, IAM, logging, or shared services) and exposing their outputs so they can be consumed by multiple downstream environments.

Examples include:

• Using a central VPC or subnet ID for many application environments

• Providing a shared security group or firewall rule set

• Passing common monitoring or logging endpoints

• Using a globally managed KMS key or identity provider

This ensures consistency across teams and collections while avoiding duplication of foundational resources.

2. Cross-Account Security Dependencies

Output references also make it straightforward to establish secure relationships between different cloud tenants. This is particularly useful for organizations implementing multi-account architectures, security boundaries, or centralized governance models.

Examples include:

• Passing IAM role ARNs from a security account to workload accounts

• Sharing KMS keys or encryption settings between isolated accounts

• Providing resource identifiers needed for cross-account trust or permissions

• Coordinating shared identity providers, signing keys, or audit pipelines

By using output references, you ensure that these sensitive dependencies remain explicit, discoverable, and centrally managed.

Benefits of Output References in Bluebricks

Bluebricks enhances the output-reference workflow with:

• Native dependency management: get alerted when there is change to dependent resource

• Automatic output resolution: removing the need for manual copy-paste or scripting

• Strong separation of concerns: foundational and application layers are decoupled