Part 2. PowerShell scripting

Edited by Jeffery Hicks

When PowerShell first appeared, many people thought, “Great. Another scripting language from Microsoft like VBScript that I have to learn.” Actually, that’s only half the story. IT pros have since discovered that PowerShell is an effective interactive management engine that just happens to have a scripting interface. PowerShell pros know that anything they can do in the shell they can put into a script. Scripts save time and offer flexibility and reusability. The fact that PowerShell can also incorporate native .NET code means that you can create some pretty awesome PowerShell-based tools.

Whether you’re writing a basic PowerShell script, beginning to dabble in advanced functions, or creating full-blown modules, there’s something for everyone in this section. Everyone should at least read chapter 9 from James O’Neill on the ten commandments of PowerShell scripting. Even if you don’t agree with all of them, his suggestions will certainly get you thinking about how you’re approaching PowerShell script writing.

This section has a number of chapters that center on tips, from Will Steele, Jeff Wouters, and Jonathan Medd, that will help you write more effective scripts. And because there’s really no difference between running a script and typing a command, some of their tips might carry over into your shell.