Difference between IAM role and policy in Google Cloud Google Cloud Platform?

Confused between IAM roles and policies in GCP? Learn the difference with simple analogies and master the core of Google Cloud security today. Introduction Imagine you’ve just been promoted to the manager of a high-tech skyscraper. You have a massive bunch of keys, but you can’t just hand the whole ring to every new employee who walks through the door. The janitor needs the supply closet key; the CEO needs the penthouse key; and the security guard needs access to the camera room. In Google Cloud Platform (GCP) , managing these "keys" is the job of Identity and Access Management (IAM) . However, many beginners get tripped up by two specific terms: IAM Roles and IAM Policies . Are they the same thing? Not quite. Think of it this way: one is a toolbox , and the other is a work order . Understanding the difference is the first step in mastering API security and protecting your cloud resources. Let’s break it down. Core Concepts In the world of Java programming or any cloud-native developme