Preface

PowerShell is a powerful and flexible task automation platform and scripting language from Microsoft. Many Microsoft applications, such as Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange, and Microsoft SharePoint now ship with PowerShell cmdlets that can be used for automated and streamlined integration. SQL Server database professionals can also leverage PowerShell to simplify database tasks using built-in cmdlets, the improved SQLPS module, the flexible SQL Server Management Objects (SMO), or by leveraging any of the readily available .NET classes.

SQL Server 2014 with PowerShell V5 Cookbook, provides easy-to-follow, practical examples for the busy database professional. There are over 150 recipes in this book, and you're guaranteed to find one that you can use right away!

You start off with basic topics to get you going with SQL Server and PowerShell scripts and progress into more advanced topics to help you manage and administer your SQL Server databases.

The first few chapters demonstrate how to work with SQL Server settings and objects, including exploring objects, creating databases, configuring server settings, and performing inventories. The book then dives deep into more administration topics such as backup and restore, managing security, and configuring AlwaysOn. Additional development and Business Intelligence (BI)-specific topics are also explored, including how to work with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).

A short PowerShell primer is also provided as a supplement in the Appendix A, which the database professional can use as a refresher or occasional reference material. Packed with more than 150 practical, ready-to-use scripts, SQL Server 2014 with PowerShell V5 Cookbook will be your go-to reference in automating and managing SQL Server.