Mastering PowerShell Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex administrative tasks using PowerShell , Fifth Edition

Chris Dent

€33.99

5 (27 Ratings)

Paperback May 2024 826 pages 5th Edition

Chris Dent

€33.99

5 (27 Ratings)

Paperback May 2024 826 pages 5th Edition

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Mastering PowerShell Scripting

Modules

Modules are packaged collections of commands that may be loaded inside PowerShell, allowing PowerShell to interact with new systems and services. Modules come from a wide variety of different sources.

PowerShell itself is installed with a small number of modules, including ThreadJob and PSReadline.

Some modules can be installed by adding Windows features or enabling capabilities, for example, the ActiveDirectory and GroupPolicy modules.

Several applications include modules as part of their installers; for example, Microsoft Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) includes a PowerShell module that may be used to get passwords and set permissions.

The Windows platform itself includes many modules, for example, the NetFirewall module. Most of these have been included since Windows 8 was released.

Modules can be installed from the PowerShell Gallery or another registered repository. The PowerShell Gallery can include updated versions of pre-installed modules...

Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet

PowerShellGet 2 (for example, PowerShellGet 2.2.4.1) implements the Install-Module, Update-Module, and Save-Module module commands demonstrated at the beginning of this chapter.

Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet (PSResourceGet), formerly PowerShellGet 3, hopes to replace PowerShellGet version 2 installations. One of the key features is that this new version does not depend on the PackageManagement module, allowing a simpler installation process, and avoiding the need to bootstrap the NuGet provider, making upgrading the module simpler.

The preview version also uses new command names, completely divorcing it from the previous implementations of PowerShellGet. The change in command names means the new version can safely be installed alongside any existing version.

PSResourceGet is included with the PowerShell 7.4 installation.

If not installed, PSResourceGet can be installed as follows:

Install-Module Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet...

PowerShell repositories

Each of the examples from the previous section uses the PowerShell Gallery as a source for installing modules. This is an important resource, but in a business setting, it may be desirable to restrict access to the gallery. Instead, an internal repository that holds curated or internally developed content may be implemented to share content.

Creating an SMB repository

An SMB file share is a simple way to share PowerShell content. A file share may be registered as a repository as follows:

$params = @{
    Name               = 'Internal'
    SourceLocation     = '\\server\share\directory'
    InstallationPolicy = 'Trusted'
}
Register-PSRepository @params

Existing modules can be published to the repository using the Publish-Module command. For example, if the module Pester 5.0.2 is installed, it may be published to the newly created internal repository:

$params = @{
    Name            = 'pester'
  ...

About snap-ins

Snap-ins, and the commands for interacting with snap-ins, are only available in Windows PowerShell; they are not present in PowerShell 7 and the commands used below will not work.

A snap-in is the predecessor to a module. It was the mechanism available to extend the set of commands in PowerShell 1 and was deprecated with the release of PowerShell 2. Unfortunately, a small number of organizations persist in offering PowerShell commands via a snap-in.

The list of installed snap-ins may be viewed using the following command:

Get-PSSnapIn -Registered

If the Registered parameter is excluded, Get-PSSnapIn will show the snap-ins that have been imported into the current PowerShell session.

PowerShell does not automatically load commands from a snap-in. All snap-ins must be explicitly imported using the Add-PSSnapIn command:

Add-PSSnapIn WDeploySnapin3.0

Once a snap-in has been installed (registered) and added, Get-Command can be used to list the...

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Key benefits

Explores PowerShell as a programming language
Take advantage of the features built into the PowerShell language in day-to-day automation
Automation of complex tasks, data manipulation, and environment security

Description

Mastering PowerShell Scripting, Fifth Edition, can help you overcome any fears and become proficient in navigating PowerShell's capabilities. This edition includes new chapters on debugging, troubleshooting, and creating GUIs. You will learn about the latest features of PowerShell 7.3, including working with parameters, objects, and .NET classes. The book covers basic and advanced topics, such as asynchronous processing, desired state configuration, managing large amounts of data, interacting with other services, and working with regular expressions and Windows Management Instrument (WMI). Discover how to efficiently use PowerShell's automation features and error-handling techniques for more complex scripts and filters. Starting with foundational knowledge, this extensive guide progresses to advanced concepts like using complex scripts and filters, asynchronous processing, desired state configuration, debugging, and error-handling techniques. You will learn how to effectively handle large data sets and interact with external services using PowerShell 7.3. Additionally, you'll discover how to fully utilize PowerShell's automation capabilities, including parsing data, manipulating regular expressions, and working with WMI using various methods.

Who is this book for?

This book is for system administrators who want to automate and speed up their processes using PowerShell and Windows PowerShell. You'll need to know the basics of operating systems, but beginners with no prior experience with PowerShell will have no trouble following along.

What you will learn

Create scripts that can be run on different systems
PowerShell is highly extensible and can integrate with other programming languages
Discover the powerful command-line interface that enables users to perform various operations with ease
Create reusable scripts and functions in PowerShell
Utilize PowerShell for various purposes, including system administration, automation, and data processing
Integrate PowerShell with other technologies such as .NET, COM, and WMI
Work with common data formats such as XML, JSON, and CSV in PowerShell
Create custom PowerShell modules and cmdlets to extend its functionality

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N/A Jun 28, 2024

Mr. Dent has created what is easily, hands-down the single best resource for all things PowerShell. Well done, sir!

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CR Jul 02, 2024

I have multiple versions of this book, so naturally, I was eager to read the fifth edition. I am thoroughly convinced I’ll be buying the next editions as well. Chris Dent is a fantastic writer who strikes the perfect balance between introducing concepts and diving into the code. The book is exceptionally well-structured, covering a wide range of topics from an introduction to PowerShell, regular expressions, classes, and modules, to debugging, to name just a few. It’s my go-to resource for research, often even before turning to AI tools!

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Amir S. Jun 02, 2024

I've been given early access to the 5th edition of "Mastering PowerShell Scripting" by Chris Dent! This book is truly the comprehensive guide for PowerShell scripting. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, it's an incredible resource for anyone looking to master PowerShell.Some of the most fascinating chapters include in-depth explorations of Classes and Enumerations, Building Modules, Testing with Pester, and Creating GUIs, to name just a few!I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to become a PowerShell master 💡

Ulises P. Aug 21, 2024

Alright, let's get straight to it—if you're deep into systems engineering and automation, especially within a Windows-heavy environment, Chris Dent's Mastering PowerShell Scripting is one of those essential reads that you'll want to keep close. You know, like a favorite tool in your toolkit, always ready to solve problems or streamline your work.Dent’s experience with PowerShell shines through in every chapter. The book takes you on a detailed journey, starting from the basics (for those who might be brushing up) and leading all the way to the more advanced, niche uses of PowerShell scripting. You’ll start with an intro to PowerShell itself, covering topics like command discovery, parameters, and splatting. And if you’re not familiar with the term "splatting," don’t worry—it’s not some California surfer lingo, but a smart way to group parameters that you'll find incredibly useful in automating repetitive tasks.By the time you’re knee-deep in the chapters on objects, operators, and arrays, you start to get a real sense of PowerShell’s versatility. It's not just about running scripts or automating a few tasks here and there—this is a full-fledged language that's perfect for managing large-scale systems, whether on-prem or in the cloud. And given how Microsoft has integrated PowerShell with platforms like Azure and even Linux, it’s become a cross-platform powerhouse. So, it’s no surprise that Dent focuses on making PowerShell an indispensable skill for anyone in IT.A cool aspect of the book is how it balances theory and practice. Sure, you’re going to get deep dives into subjects like error handling and testing with Pester, but it's all paired with real-world applications. For example, there’s a lot of emphasis on testing and debugging. If you're like me, and maybe a bit meticulous (or just hate when something breaks), you’ll appreciate that the author dedicates entire sections to error handling and debugging. That’s where this book really earns its stripes—it’s not just theory, it’s about making sure your code works in the real world.Plus, let’s talk about remoting and automation, two huge areas of focus. As a system engineer, you're going to love how Dent breaks down remoting. Whether you’re dealing with servers locally or over vast networks, the remoting capabilities are a game changer. And for those using cross-platform environments—think Windows, Linux, and maybe even a touch of Mac—this book covers that too.One area where this book really excels is in explaining the “why” behind the “how.” A lot of scripting books just throw commands at you. Not this one. Dent makes sure you understand what each command is doing under the hood, which is key if you're trying to fine-tune scripts for specific environments—especially in mission-critical setups like DoD or other high-stakes industries. It’s like learning to ride a bike: Sure, you could just push the pedals, but knowing how the gears work gives you an edge when the road gets rough.On the flip side, if I had to nitpick, it’s that the book can feel dense at times, especially for newcomers. You might need to read through certain sections a couple of times to really grasp the concepts. But that's more of a testament to the depth of PowerShell than anything else. After all, mastery doesn't come easy, right?In summary, if you’re serious about automating tasks, optimizing workflows, or just making your life easier as a systems engineer, Mastering PowerShell Scripting is a must-read. It’s a one-stop shop for not just learning PowerShell, but mastering it in a way that you’ll use in the real world—whether you’re dealing with hundreds of machines or fine-tuning a single server. Plus, Dent’s conversational style makes the technical content feel less like a manual and more like a trusted mentor showing you the ropes. Highly recommended for anyone in IT looking to up their scripting game.

Tomica Kaniski Aug 06, 2024

The sole fact that this book is in its 5th edition already, speaks about its quality. This edition is packed with the latest on PowerShell 7 and dives further into automation and simplifying admin tasks. I loved the clear explanations, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises. For beginners, I would use another resource, but for more experienced users, this one is just right, as it covers working with jobs, the registry, regular expressions, PowerShell remoting, building modules, testing with Pester, and much more. It also tackles advanced topics like error handling and debugging, helping you write better-quality scripts. In my opinion, even though there are plenty of online resources, sample scripts, and exercises to help you practice, "Mastering PowerShell Scripting" is a must-have for anyone serious about PowerShell.

Mastering PowerShell Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex administrative tasks using PowerShell , Fifth Edition

What do you get with Print?

Mastering PowerShell Scripting

Modules

Introducing modules

The Get-Module command

Finding and installing modules

What is the PowerShell Gallery?

Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet

PowerShell repositories

Creating an SMB repository

About snap-ins

Summary

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Description

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What you will learn

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Mastering PowerShell Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex administrative tasks using PowerShell , Fifth Edition

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