Verb-noun naming format
A verb-noun naming format is a command-naming convention that combines an approved action verb with a descriptive singular noun.
Learn PowerShell in a Month of Lunches: Fourth Edition, Covers Windows, Linux, and macOS
Verb-noun naming is a command and script naming convention that combines an action verb with a descriptive noun.
- How it is used
- Guides PowerShell cmdlet, function, and script names so administrators can recognize and discover commands.
- How deep it goes
- Defines the naming rule and typing details, then applies it to a script name without developing noun standards.
- Examples
- Demonstrates Get-Command, Get-Content, Start-Process, Set-AzVM, and the Get-DiskInventory.ps1 script name.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via PowerShell to type valid names, predict unfamiliar commands, and name reusable scripts consistently.
Practical Automation with PowerShell: Effective scripting from the console to the cloud
The Verb-Noun naming pattern names PowerShell commands with an approved action verb followed by a singular noun.
- How it is used
- Standardizes cmdlet and function names so module users can find and use exported commands.
- How deep it goes
- Defines verb approval and noun singularity, then notes usability consequences without detailing command-discovery internals.
- Examples
- Uses Get-Module, Import-Module, Get-Command, Get-Verb, and archive-File-Deleting as naming examples.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via Get-Verb when naming PowerShell commands and designing module functions.
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches, Second Edition: Write and organize scripts and tools
A verb-noun pattern is a command-naming convention that combines an approved action verb with a descriptive noun.
- How it is used
- Standardizes PowerShell tool names so commands are recognizable, discoverable, and consistent with native patterns.
- How deep it goes
- Defines syntax, singular nouns, prefixes, and approved verbs, but stops short of implementing a command.
- Examples
- Uses Get-Verb, Get-GlobalUser, Get-GloboSystemStatus, and a deliberately overlong IIS server command.
- What you can do after
- Apply via Get-Verb and create organization-prefixed commands that fit PowerShell conventions.
Related concepts
- functionconfigures · A function is a callable program unit that performs an operation, may accept inputs, and can produce a result or side effect.
- cmdletconfigures · A cmdlet is a specialized PowerShell command, typically implemented as a .NET class, that performs a focused operation.
- PowerShelluses · PowerShell is Microsoft's cross-platform command shell and scripting language for administering computer systems and automating tasks.
- toolused by · A tool is an instrument or software capability that enables a person or system to perform a task, obtain information, or interact with resources.
- approved verbuses · An approved verb is a verb from PowerShell's standardized vocabulary for naming commands according to their operations.
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