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What you will learn in Practical Automation with PowerShell: Effective scripting from the console to the cloud

Effective scripting from the console to the cloud

by Matthew Dowst

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Chapter by chapter

Concepts explained in this book

• automationAutomation is the execution of tasks by software with reduced manual intervention, especially for repeatable operational work.
• PowerShellWindows PowerShell is the Windows-only implementation of Microsoft's PowerShell command shell and scripting language, with version 5.1 as its final major release.
• mockingA mock is a test double that simulates a dependency or interaction so that code can be tested under controlled conditions.
• shell scriptA script is a text-based program that contains instructions for an interpreter to execute.
• Azure Automation Hybrid Runbook WorkerA hybrid runbook worker is a machine or agent-enabled execution target that runs Azure Automation jobs outside the Azure-hosted environment.
• remotingSSH remoting is a PowerShell capability for executing commands and scripts on remote computers through SSH.
• SecretManagementSecretManagement is a PowerShell module framework that provides a common interface for storing and retrieving secrets through registered vault extensions.
• secret vaultA secret vault is a protected repository for storing and retrieving sensitive values such as credentials, passwords, and API keys.
• triggerAn automation trigger is an event, condition, or invocation that initiates an automated process or workflow.
• action scriptAn action script is a script that performs the substantive operation initiated by a watcher or other automation component.
• pesterPester is a PowerShell testing framework for writing and running repeatable tests, including tests with mocked command behavior.
• password authenticationA password is a secret character sequence used to authenticate an identity or authorize access to systems.
• building blockA building block is a reusable component or capability that can contribute to an automation across multiple development stages.
• output streamAn output stream is the PowerShell pipeline channel that carries success-output objects from commands and functions.
• Test-PathTest-Path is a PowerShell cmdlet that tests whether a path exists and returns a Boolean result.
• runbookA runbook is an executable automation definition containing a script or workflow for performing operational tasks.
• phased delivery strategyA phased approach is a technique for developing an automation through successive stages that provide incremental improvements and benefits.
• regular expressionA regular expression is a notation for describing sets of strings and matching text against those descriptions.
• unit testA unit test is a software test that verifies the behavior of a small, isolated unit of code.
• Invoke-WebRequestInvoke-WebRequest is a PowerShell cmdlet that sends HTTP and HTTPS requests and processes web responses.
• hashtableA hashtable is a key-value collection that associates unique keys with values.
• module manifestA module manifest is a PowerShell data file that describes a module and specifies its metadata and exported or required components.
• maintainabilityAutomation maintainability is the ease with which an automated system can be understood, modified, and kept operational as requirements change.
• KeePassKeePass is a password manager that stores protected credentials and secrets in encrypted database files.
• Active SetupActive Setup is a Windows installation technique that performs per-user configuration after software is installed in a system context.
• terminating errorA terminating error is an execution error that stops the current PowerShell operation or script unless it is handled.
• scrapingWeb scraping is the automated extraction of data from web pages by retrieving and parsing their content.
• SecureStringSecureString is a .NET type intended to hold sensitive text in memory with restricted access and runtime-dependent protection behavior.
• answer fileAn unattended answer file is a configuration file containing responses that automate an operating-system installation without user interaction.
• Start-ProcessStart-Process is a PowerShell cmdlet that starts a process and can optionally wait for it to finish.
• Invoke-DbaQueryInvoke-DbaQuery is a dbatools PowerShell cmdlet that executes a query against a SQL database and returns the results as PowerShell objects.
• sensitive informationSensitive data is information whose unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or loss could cause harm or compromise security.
• script moduleA script module is a PowerShell module implemented with PowerShell code that packages functions, classes, variables, and supporting resources.
• scheduled taskA scheduled task is a configured operating-system task that runs a program or script according to specified triggers and execution settings.
• throwA throw statement generates an exception or terminating error that interrupts normal PowerShell execution.
• gitGit is a distributed version control system for tracking changes to files and coordinating work across repositories.
• Azure Automation accountAn Azure Automation account is an Azure resource that provides a managed boundary for storing and executing Automation assets such as runbooks, identities, and configuration.
• integration testIntegration testing verifies that multiple software components or systems function correctly together.
• control scriptA control script is a coordinating script that establishes remote connections, invokes commands, and collects returned information across multiple computers.
• CmdletBinding attributeThe CmdletBinding attribute enables advanced PowerShell function behavior, including common parameters such as verbose output and error handling.
• param blockA parameter block is the section of a PowerShell function or script that declares its input parameters and their metadata.
• actionAn automation action is an individual operation or step performed during an automated process to achieve its goal.
• -ErrorActionErrorAction is a PowerShell common parameter that specifies how a command responds to non-terminating errors.
• lookup fieldA lookup value is a SharePoint field value that references an item in another list.
• psm1 fileA PSM1 file is a PowerShell module script file that implements or loads a module's functions and supporting code.
• ConvertFrom-HtmlConvertFrom-Html is a command that converts HTML input into structured PowerShell objects, including HTML node data.
• XPathAn XPath query is an expression defined by the XPath language for selecting nodes in an XML or HTML document tree.
• PSModulePath environment variablePSModulePath is the PowerShell environment variable containing folders in which PowerShell searches for modules.
• automation goalAn intended outcome or set of outcomes that an automation process is designed to achieve.
• pipelineA PowerShell pipeline passes output objects from one command as input to subsequent commands or functions.
• secretA secret is confidential sensitive data, such as a credential, password, connection value, or API key, that requires protected storage and controlled access.
• Get-ItemGet-Item is a PowerShell cmdlet that retrieves an item, such as a file, directory, or registry item, from a specified path.
• Azure AutomationAzure Automation is Microsoft's cloud service for automating recurring operational tasks across Azure and other environments.
• Where-ObjectWhere-Object is a PowerShell cmdlet that filters objects in a pipeline according to a specified condition.
• -WhatIfThe PowerShell WhatIf parameter reports the operations a command would perform without actually performing them.
• GitHubGitHub is a web platform for hosting, collaborating on, and distributing software source code through version-controlled repositories.
• try-catch statementA try/catch construct runs protected code and handles exceptions in a catch block.
• parameter validationParameter validation is a language-supported mechanism for restricting and checking values supplied to script parameters.
• cmdlet-based filteringCmdlet-based filtering is the technique of restricting command results through a cmdlet's filtering parameters before output is produced.
• recursionRecursion is the repeated traversal or invocation of nested structures through a self-referential operation.
• comment-based helpComment-based help is PowerShell documentation embedded in specially formatted comments associated with a script or function.
• OutputType attributeThe OutputType attribute declares the .NET types of objects that a PowerShell function or script is expected to output.
• parameter filterA parameter filter is a mock-selection condition that matches calls according to the parameters supplied to a command.
• managed identityA managed identity is an Azure-managed identity that lets applications authenticate to supported resources without directly managing secrets.
• return on investmentReturn on investment is a measure comparing the benefit gained from an investment with its cost.
• Azure Virtual Machine Run CommandAzure Virtual Machine Run Command is an Azure capability that executes commands on an Azure virtual machine through the Azure service.
• hypervisor-based remotingHypervisor-based remoting is remote command execution that uses a hypervisor or virtualization-management intermediary instead of direct network communication with the guest machine.
• Windows ISO fileAn ISO image is a file that contains a sector-by-sector representation of the contents and structure of an optical disc or bootable installation medium.
• JenkinsJenkins is an open-source automation server that orchestrates software delivery and other automated jobs.
• New-PSSessionNew-PSSession is a PowerShell cmdlet that creates a persistent PowerShell session on a local or remote computer.
• mandatory parameterA mandatory parameter is an input that must be supplied by the person or script initiating an automation.
• wrapper scriptA wrapper script is a script that surrounds another script or command with setup, monitoring, logging, or cleanup logic.
• script blockA script block is a PowerShell expression that groups commands and can be passed, stored, or invoked as a unit.
• Log AnalyticsLog Analytics is an Azure monitoring and data collection service that stores, searches, and analyzes diagnostic and metric data.
• environment variableAn environment variable is a named value supplied by an operating-system or process environment to applications and scripts.
• SecretStoreSecretStore is a PowerShell extension vault that stores secrets locally and associates them with a user and machine.
• authenticationAuthentication is the process of verifying an identity before granting access to a system or service.
• registry keyA registry key is a named hierarchical container in the Windows Registry that stores configuration values and subordinate keys.
• branchA branch is a named line of development in a version-control repository containing its own sequence of changes.
• configurationConfiguration data is static input that supplies values and parameters to a script without containing executable commands.
• API keyAn API key is a secret token used by an application or script to identify or authorize access to an application programming interface.
• agent-based remotingAgent-based remoting is remote script execution in which a locally installed software agent runs the script on the target device.
• key-based authenticationKey-based authentication is an authentication method that proves identity using cryptographic key material instead of a password.
• storage accountAn Azure storage account is an Azure resource that provides a unique namespace and access boundary for Azure Storage services and data objects.
• New-ItemNew-Item is a PowerShell cmdlet that creates a new item such as a file, directory, or other provider-managed resource.
• principle of least privilegeThe principle of least privilege is a security practice of granting an identity or process only the permissions required for its intended operations.
• dbatoolsdbatools is a community-maintained PowerShell module that provides automation commands for SQL Server administration and migration.
• SharePoint formA SharePoint form is a web form automatically provided for adding and editing items in a SharePoint list.
• Export-ScheduledTaskExport-ScheduledTask is a PowerShell cmdlet that exports a Task Scheduler task as XML.
• New-ScheduledTaskActionNew-ScheduledTaskAction is a PowerShell cmdlet that creates an action specifying the executable and arguments for a scheduled task.
• New-ScheduledTaskTriggerNew-ScheduledTaskTrigger is a PowerShell cmdlet that creates a trigger describing when a scheduled task runs.
• Register-ScheduledTaskRegister-ScheduledTask is a PowerShell cmdlet that creates or registers a task with Windows Task Scheduler.
• zip archiveAn archive file is a file that stores retained data separately from its active working location.
• end-user deviceAn end-user device is a computer primarily used directly by an individual rather than as a server.
• PSCredentialA credential object is a structured PowerShell value that packages an identity and its password or other secret for authentication.
• fixed parameterA fixed parameter is an input with a predetermined value that cannot be changed by the automation initiator.
• logical parameterA logical parameter is an input whose value is determined by decision logic and a fallback when the value cannot be determined.
• virtual switchA virtual switch is software-based network switching infrastructure that connects virtual machines to one another or to physical networks.
• system contextA system context is an operating-system execution context associated with a system-managed identity rather than an interactive user.
• Stop-ProcessStop-Process is a PowerShell cmdlet that stops one or more running processes.
• wrapperA wrapper function is a function that provides a simplified or specialized interface around other operations or functions.
• repositoryA GitHub repository is a version-controlled project storage space hosted on GitHub.
• Word object modelA Word COM object is a Component Object Model automation object that exposes Microsoft Word documents and application operations.
• ConvertTo-SecureStringConvertTo-SecureString is a PowerShell cmdlet that converts text into a SecureString, optionally using a supplied encryption key.
• injection attackAn injection attack is an attack in which untrusted input is interpreted as executable code or commands.
• $PSBoundParameters$PSBoundParameters is an automatic PowerShell variable containing the parameters explicitly supplied to the current function and their values.
• SQL parameterAn SQL parameter is a separately supplied value associated with a named placeholder in a SQL statement.
• SQL variableAn SQL variable is a named placeholder in a SQL statement whose value is supplied separately from the statement text.
• where clauseA where clause is the SQL query clause that restricts returned rows according to conditions on column values.
• SQL health checkA SQL health check is an automated scripted procedure that assesses the configuration or operational health of a SQL database environment and can notify when an undesired state is detected.
• persistent connectionA persistent connection is a remote connection established before command execution and maintained until it is explicitly closed.
• PowerShell DirectPowerShell Direct is a Hyper-V capability for executing PowerShell commands in a virtual machine through its host without requiring network connectivity to the guest.
• Add-VMDvdDriveAdd-VMDvdDrive is a Hyper-V PowerShell cmdlet that adds a virtual DVD drive to a virtual machine.
• New-VMNew-VM is a Hyper-V PowerShell cmdlet that creates a virtual machine with specified configuration and storage settings.
• resumabilityResumable automation is an automation design in which execution can restart after a failure and continue without repeating completed work or causing adverse effects.
• ValidateScript attributeThe ValidateScript attribute validates a PowerShell parameter by evaluating a script block against its supplied value.
• SharePoint listA SharePoint list is a structured collection of records stored in SharePoint, with fields that hold item data and status information.
• write-errorWrite-Error is a PowerShell cmdlet that writes a non-terminating error to the error stream.
• Get-PnpListItemGet-PnpListItem is a PnP PowerShell cmdlet that retrieves items from a SharePoint list.
• helper functionA helper function is a supporting function called by other functions to perform a reusable internal operation.
• public functionA public function is a module function intended to be available for direct use by module users.
• RequiredModulesRequiredModules is a module-manifest field that specifies modules required by a PowerShell module.
• verb-noun naming formatThe Verb-Noun naming pattern names PowerShell commands with an approved action verb followed by a singular noun.
• Invoke-RestMethodInvoke-RestMethod is a PowerShell cmdlet that sends HTTP or HTTPS requests and converts response content into usable PowerShell objects.
• COM objectA COM object is a software component that exposes interfaces through Microsoft's Component Object Model for interprocess or cross-application interaction.
• administratorAn administrator privilege is an elevated authorization that permits administrative operations beyond those available to a standard user.
• data typeA data type classifies the representation and permitted values of data, such as an integer, string, or binary value.
• default valueA default value is a predefined value supplied when an input is not provided or cannot be determined.
• ConvertFrom-StringDataConvertFrom-StringData is a PowerShell cmdlet that converts key-value text into a hashtable.
• Get-VariableGet-Variable is a PowerShell cmdlet that retrieves variables and their values from a session.
• Select-StringSelect-String is a PowerShell cmdlet that searches text for matching strings or regular expression patterns.
• Azure PowerShellThe Az PowerShell module is the modular Azure PowerShell package for managing Azure resources and services.
• universally unique identifierA universally unique identifier (UUID), also commonly called a GUID, is a 128-bit identifier designed to distinguish entities with an extremely low probability of collision.
• Remove-ItemRemove-Item is a PowerShell cmdlet that deletes files, directories, and other provider items.
• ZipFileSystem.IO.Compression.ZipFile is a .NET class that provides operations for reading and creating ZIP archives.
• Should -InvokeShould -Invoke is a test assertion command that verifies how many times a mocked command or function was called.
• general userA standard user is an account operating with ordinary permissions rather than elevated administrative rights.
• GitHub gistGitHub Gist is a GitHub service for creating, publishing, and sharing small code snippets or files with version history and access controls.
• reusable building blockA reusable building block is a modular automation component that can be incorporated into multiple processes.
• data structureA data structure is an organized representation of data and associated relationships for storing and processing information.
• runbook editorA runbook editor is an authoring interface for creating and modifying automation runbooks, often with coding assistance and access to automation assets.
• JSONJSON is a text-based data interchange format that represents structured values using objects, arrays, strings, numbers, Boolean values, and null.
• Windows Assessment and Deployment KitThe Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit is Microsoft's collection of tools for assessing and deploying Windows operating systems.
• Azure resource groupA resource group is an Azure management container for related resources that share a lifecycle and administrative scope.
• jobA job is an asynchronous PowerShell operation that runs work independently of the interactive command flow.
• PSObject propertyPSObject.Properties is the PowerShell collection that exposes an object's adapted and extended properties.
• Invoke-CommandAsInvoke-CommandAs is a PowerShell module that runs commands or script blocks under specified Windows security contexts, including the system account.
• Task SchedulerTask Scheduler is the Windows service and management facility for scheduling and running programs or scripts.
• YAMLYAML is a human-readable data-serialization language that represents structured data using indentation-based syntax.
• virtual machine provisioningThe process of creating and preparing a virtual machine and its associated resources.
• enumAn enumeration is a set of named constants, typically associated with underlying integral values.
• structured dataStructured data is information organized according to an explicit schema or representation with identifiable fields and relationships.

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