Chapter 27: Never the end

Introduction

The chapter introduction encourages readers to continue exploring PowerShell and previews guidance for doing so.

27.1 Ideas for further exploration

The section distinguishes using existing PowerShell commands from building reusable tools and points database administrators toward dbatools.

• Tool use and tool making: Distinguish using existing PowerShell commands to accomplish tasks from combining commands into automated, multistep tools for other people. Explain why a parameterized script is a beginning of tool making.
  Why it matters: It shows how the command skills you have practiced can become tools other people can reuse.
• Dbatools for database administration: Describe why the section recommends investigating dbatools if you administer databases.
  Why it matters: It gives database administrators a specific collection of commands to explore for recurring work.

Key terms: tool user, tool making, parameterized scripts, dbatools, PowerShell module

27.2 “Now that I’ve read the book, where do I start?”

This section advises readers to start using PowerShell on a repetitive real-world task and to reuse existing utilities rather than insisting on a PowerShell-only solution.

• Repetitive task as starting point: Explain why automating a personally repetitive production task is a useful next step, even if writing the script takes longer the first time.
  Why it matters: A task you already repeat gives you a practical reason to learn and a way to benefit from the work later.
• Existing utilities in PowerShell: Explain why a practical PowerShell solution need not be written entirely with PowerShell commands.
  Why it matters: Reusing a suitable utility can save you from spending weeks recreating its functionality.

Key terms: production world, repetitive, automate, xcopy, robocopy, utilities

27.3 Other resources you’ll grow to love

The section recommends community sites, books, and videos for continuing to learn PowerShell.

• PowerShell community resource choices: Describe why the authors recommend PowerShell.org as a first stop and distinguish the other online resources by what they offer.
  Why it matters: These distinctions help you choose a useful place to ask questions or keep learning.
• Further learning format options: Describe the kinds of books and video training the authors recommend for learning beyond this book.
  Why it matters: You can choose a next resource based on whether you want scripting practice, more depth, or video instruction.

Key terms: PowerShell.org, PowerShell.org’s YouTube channel, JDHIT Solutions, DevOps Collective, Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches, PowerShell in Depth, Windows PowerShell in Action, PowerShell Deep Dives, Pluralsight, How to Navigate the PowerShell Help System