Running a SQL Server job

This recipe demonstrates how you can run a SQL Server job programmatically.

Getting ready

In this recipe, we assume you have a job in your development environment called Test Job that you can run. If not, pick another job in your system that you can run.

How to do it...

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE

2. Import the SQLPS module and create a new SMO Server object, as follows:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. Add the following script and run:

   $jobserver = $server.JobServer
   $jobname ="Test Job"
   
   $job = $jobserver.Jobs[$jobname]
   $job.Start()
   
   #sleep to wait for job to finish
   #check last run date
   Start-Sleep-s1
   $job.Refresh()
   $job.LastRunDate

How it works...

The first step is to get a handle to your instance...