Getting started with PowerShell

Introduction

Like Bash scripting is commonly used in Unix-based systems, including Linux and macOS. similarly, PowerShell is indeed a powerful scripting language and automation framework primarily associated with Windows operating systems, It is One the Most Demanded Skill in now a Days used for automating the manual tasks.

Features

PowerShell is not just a Scripting Language, it is also a Command-line Shell. PowerShell is built upon .net framework. Provides Administrator friendly interface of .net framework. This language is not Case Sensitive.

Command Prompt VS PowerShell

Command Prompt (CMD) is a basic tool for running simple commands, PowerShell (PS) is a more versatile and powerful scripting language and automation framework. PowerShell's object-oriented approach, structured output, and extensive integration capabilities make it the preferred choice for many Windows administrators and developers.

User Interface:

⬛CMD: Command Prompt has a simple text-based interface. You type commands, and it displays text output.

🟦PS: PowerShell also uses text, but it outputs objects instead of plain text. This means data in PowerShell is structured and can be easily manipulated and passed around.

Commands :

⬛ CMD: Command Prompt uses commands and executables. Commands are typically single-purpose and don't always provide structured output.

🟦PS: PowerShell uses cmdlets (pronounced command-lets), which are small, focused commands designed to do specific tasks. These cmdlets output objects, making it easier to work with data.

Scripting:

⬛CMD: Command Prompt has limited scripting capabilities. It uses batch files with a .bat or .cmd extension, but these are less powerful and flexible.

🟦 PS: PowerShell is a powerful scripting language. Scripts can be written to automate complex tasks, and PowerShell code is more versatile and readable, especially for automation and system management tasks.

Object-Oriented vs. Text-Based:

⬛CMD: CMD deals primarily with plain text output, which can be harder to manipulate programmatically.

🟦PS: PowerShell deals with structured objects. This makes it easier to filter, sort, and manipulate data, making it more versatile for automation tasks.

Integration and Extensibility:

⬛ CMD: While CMD can run other programs, it doesn't easily integrate with other technologies or services.

🟦 PS: PowerShell can work with .NET objects, COM objects, WMI, REST APIs, and more. It has extensive integration capabilities, making it a powerful tool for system administrators and developers.

PowerShell ISE vs VS code

PowerShell ISE:

PowerShell ISE is specialized for PowerShell scripting, while VS Code is a general-purpose code editor with broader language support.

Purpose:

Specifically designed for PowerShell scripting and automation tasks.

Integration: Comes pre-installed with Windows and tightly integrated with PowerShell.

Features: Basic code editing features. Built-in PowerShell console for running scripts. Script pane and output pane for a simple interface. Limited extensibility and customization options.

VS code/Visual studio code