Searching for files

In this recipe, we will search for files based on filenames, attributes, and content.

How to do it...

Let's explore different ways to use Get-ChildItem to search for files.

1. Open PowerShell ISE. Go to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Add the following script and run it:

   #search for file with specific extension
   $path = "C:\Temp"
   Get-ChildItem -Path $path -Include *.sql -Recurse
   
   #search for file based on date creation 
   #use LastWriteTime for date modification
   [datetime]$startDate =  "2012-05-01"
   [datetime]$endDate =  "2012-05-20" 
   #note date is at 12 midnight
   #sample date Sunday, May 20, 2012 12:00:00 AM
   
   #PowerShell V3 Where-Object syntax
   Get-ChildItem -Path $path -Recurse | 
   Where CreationTime -ge $startDate | 
   Where CreationTime -le $endDate | 
   Sort -Property LastWriteTime
   
   #list files greater than 10MB
   #PowerShell V3 syntax
   Get-ChildItem $path -Recurse | 
   Where Length -ge 10Mb | 
   Select Name,  
   @{Name="MB";Expression={"{0:N2}" -f ($_.Length...