When I apply for speaking engagements, I usually submit at least one session that will require me to learn a new language or technology.  I did this with the upcoming SharePoint Saturday Austin with a session titled “PowerShell for Developers: IT Pros Need to Share.”  This session is the catalyst for this three-part blog series, which will be published over the next few Fridays. This first post is intended to get everyone up to speed with the basics of PowerShell.

What is PowerShell?

PowerShell is a command-line language built on the Microsoft .NET Framework. This is a ridiculously simplified explanation, though. PowerShell is a task automation tool that takes common command-line languages and magnifies their power exponentially through the use of Cmdlets.  Cmdlets are verb-noun commands that perform computer and application management tasks. These tasks can be as simple as restarting the computer or changing the time zone.

PowerShell is a sophisticated development language that contains many of the constructs found in other modern languages. Variables, functions, looping, and decision statements are all present among other important features. We will discuss these features and how they function in this post. Read More…