Learn PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language developed by Microsoft. It's designed primarily for system administrators and power users to automate tasks and manage configurations across Windows operating systems. PowerShell provides access to various system management functions and utilities through cmdlets (pronounced "command-lets"), which are specialized .NET classes. These cmdlets can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, such as managing files and directories, configuring network settings, accessing the registry, and interacting with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). One of the key features of PowerShell is its object-oriented nature, which means that outputs are often structured as objects rather than just text. This allows for more flexibility and power when working with the results of commands. Additionally, PowerShell supports scripting, allowing users to write scripts to automate repetitive tasks or perform complex operations. Overall, PowerShell is a versatile tool for system administrators and developers working within the Windows ecosystem, offering a robust platform for automation, configuration management, and system administration.

Key features of PowerShell:
  • Command-Line Interface (CLI): PowerShell provides both an interactive command-line interface and a powerful scripting language.
  • Object-Oriented: Unlike traditional shell languages, PowerShell works with objects rather than plain text.
  • Pipeline: PowerShell uses a pipeline model to allow the output of one command to be passed as input to another.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Originally developed for Windows, PowerShell is now cross-platform, running on Windows, Linux & macOS.
  • Task Automation: Allows automating repetitive tasks, like managing configurations, users, services, files, and networks.
  • Remote Management: PowerShell supports remote administration using features like PowerShell Remoting (via SSH or WinRM).
  • Access to .NET Framework: PowerShell has access to the full .NET framework, enabling developers to use .NET classes.
  • Extensibility: Users can write and import modules, which are collections of cmdlets, scripts, functions, and workflows.
  • Support for Scripting Languages: PowerShell integrates with Python, Bash, and JavaScript, etc.
  • Security: PowerShell includes features like script signing, execution policies, and Just Enough Administration (JEA).
  • Version Control and Compatibility: PowerShell is backward-compatible, with support for different versions.

Find few URLs below for your learning:

• Getting Started with PowerShell (From Microsoft.com)
• Powershell Tutorial for Beginners (From Guru99.com)
• Powershell Tutorial (From Tutorialspoint.com)
• What is PowerShell and how to use it (From Techtarget.com)
• PowerShell For Beginners Full Course (Vieo Tutorial)

Find few eBooks below that may help in your learning activity:

• Mastering Windows PowerShell Scripting
• Learn Windows PowerShell In A Month Of Lunches
• Windows PowerShell Cookbook
• Windows PowerShell Step by Step
• Windows PowerShell Scripting Guide