Subscribe via RSSOver the course of the last year I’ve been using markdown files much more, especially as part of the Platyps module. Even though I have a markdown editor and I can also preview files in VS Code, sometimes I want to see the file in my browser which has a markdown viewer plugin. Or I…
Managing the PSReadline History File
It has taken some discipline but I have finally gotten the hang of using the command history file maintained by PSReadline. Even though Set-PSReadlineOption has a few options on how to use this file, in my experience I have felt the need to handle a few things on my own. Here’s my take.
Adding Efficiency with PowerShell Type Extensions
The other day I posted an article about custom properties which wrapped up with a look at Update-TypeData. The goal is not so much to make your scripts or modules easier to use, but rather to increase efficiency at the command prompt. When running commands interactively I want to get the information I need as…
Are You My Type?
I am always stressing that PowerShell is all about the objects. If you keep this in mind, PowerShell is pretty easy to use. Get a bunch of things, and select the details that you want to see or work with. Out of the box PowerShell gives you some very rich objects to work with from…
PowerShell Reminders now in Beta
For awhile now I’ve been working on a PowerShell project that I use every day. I am always in a PowerShell prompt and because I always seem to have little things like phone calls or family events that I need to keep track of, I wrote a “tickler” system. The events are stored in a…
PowerShell Pop Quiz
I’m always looking for ways to help teach PowerShell and the other day I thought why not have PowerShell teach you itself? I have created a PowerShell script that dynamically generates a quiz on cmdlets and functions installed on your computer. In short the quiz question shows you a command synopsis and then presents a…
Get Git with PowerShell
If you are creating PowerShell scripts, tools or modules today, you are most likely using Git. What? You’re not? Is it because you haven’t gotten around to installing it? I have some “quick and dirty” PowerShell hacks to help you out on Windows systems. Linux boys and girls already know what to do.
Enhancing PSVersionTable
Not too long ago I posted a PowerShell function that could provide detail abut the PowerShell engine driving your current PowerShell session. I like having a function that writes an object to the pipeline, can take parameters and offer help documentation. But there’s an alternative approach you could also take.
Throwing the Kitchen Sink at PowerShell
The other day I was watching a good intro video from Shane Young on getting started with PowerShell profiles. I use profile scripts extensively, and they can be extremely useful in configuring your PowerShell experience. One element you could add to your profile is a customized PowerShell prompt. Microsoft provides one by default. It creates…
Who’s Driving this Shell?
Microsoft has been busy with the next iteration of PowerShell. As you should already know, this version will run cross-platform. The executable, or engine, is naturally different than what you are used to with Windows PowerShell. As I was trying out the latest PowerShell beta, I needed to identify the path to the current PowerShell…
Friday Fun: PowerShell Anagrams
Maybe it’s my liberal arts background but I love words and word games. I have a constant pile of crosswords and enjoy tormenting my kids (and wife) with puns. I am also fascinated with word hacks like palindromes and anagrams. An anagram is where you take a word like ‘pot’ and rearrange the letters to…
Your First Day with PowerShell
I’m happy to let everyone know that my latest Pluralsight course is now available. “Your First Day with PowerShell” is a short course targeted at the absolute PowerShell beginner. I wanted to be there as it were as you started your very first day learning and using PowerShell. My goal was to be with you…
Friday Fun: Listing WMI Namespaces
Welcome once again to the end of the week. Hopefully you spent some time in PowerShell. If not, perhaps this tidbit will be intriguing enough to give it a try. I always try to put the “fun” in function and today I have one that will enumerate all the WMI namespaces, but using Get-CimInstance, or…
PowerShell Summit 2017 Demo Files
During the recent PowerShell+DevOps Global Summit I had two primary presentations, that is, traditional sessions with slides and demos. My other sessions were panels which means if you weren’t in the room you missed out on some great content and interaction. Anyway….my main sessions were on creating class-based PowerShell tools and using Nano server in…
PowerShell+DevOps Summit Reflections
I’ve recently returned from Bellevue, WA and the 5th annual PowerShell+DevOps Summit. Each year our event has grown and this year I think we’ve crossed over into being the PowerShell-related event you should attend. I spoke with many attendees who couldn’t stress enough how much they were getting out of the conference. For some, the…