What Is PowerShell?

Microsoft PowerShell is a command-line environment commonly used for managing Windows systems.

However, PowerShell is much more than just a management tool. It also serves as a powerful scripting environment with capabilities comparable to many popular programming languages.

What Are the Features of PowerShell?

PowerShell has evolved as a command-line shell and scripting language since its 2006 debut.

PowerShell vs. Windows Command Prompt

Microsoft’s first operating system, before Windows existed, was called Disk Operating System (DOS). DOS was a basic command-line interface that allowed users to manage disks, run applications, and perform other essential tasks.

When Microsoft developed Windows 3.x, it wasn't a standalone operating system but a platform that ran on top of DOS. Later, the Windows NT operating system replaced DOS with the NT OS kernel. Since almost all applications at that time were still based on DOS, Microsoft created the Windows Command Prompt for backward compatibility. The Command Prompt remains a part of Windows even today.

Although PowerShell is also a command-line environment, it is far more advanced than the Windows Command Prompt. Despite efforts to modernize Command Prompt, its origins trace back nearly 40 years. PowerShell, on the other hand, uses an entirely different command set. However, Microsoft has created command aliases that allow some DOS commands to work in PowerShell, even though PowerShell commands are executing behind the scenes.

Related:Building Graphical PowerShell Tools: A Three-Part Guide

The PowerShell command structure

PowerShell's native commands, called cmdlets (pronounced “command-lets”), follow a consistent syntax. Nearly all cmdlets are made up of two words separated by a dash. The first word is a verb that tells PowerShell what action to perform, and the second word is a noun that specifies the object of that action.

For example, in the Get-Service cmdlet, “Get” is the verb, and “Service” is the noun, with a dash separating the two. When you run Get-Service, PowerShell retrieves a list of system services.

Here is an example of the list of services retrieved by the Get-Service PowerShell cmdlet.

Microsoft has attempted to minimize the vocabulary in native PowerShell cmdlets by reusing common words, making it easier to learn. For example, as mentioned above, the Get-Service cmdlet retrieves a list of system services. The verb “Get” appears in many other cmdlets, such as Get-Process, Get-VM, and Get-User. Similarly, the noun "Service" is used in cmdlets like Stop-Service, Start-Service, and Restart-Service.

PowerShell's extensive set of cmdlets

The latest version of PowerShell for Windows 10 includes over 12,000 cmdlets. Even so, Microsoft has made PowerShell extensible, meaning users can create additional cmdlets easily.

Related:Exploring Visual Studio Code as a PowerShell ISE Alternative

In addition, Microsoft and other software vendors often create cmdlets for their products, allowing PowerShell to manage a wide range of tools and services. For instance, Microsoft has developed PowerShell modules (collections of custom cmdlets) for managing Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and System Center, among others.

What Are the Advantages of PowerShell?

PowerShell provides robust management and scripting capabilities that make it an essential tool for system administrators.

PowerShell management capabilities

PowerShell is tightly intertwined with the Windows operating system, allowing users to manage nearly every feature and configuration setting.

Perhaps more importantly, PowerShell supports remoting, which enables administrators to manage remote systems by directing a PowerShell session to another machine.

Additionally, PowerShell supports bulk management. Unlike GUI interfaces, which can become inefficient when managing multiple systems, PowerShell makes it easier to perform tasks simultaneously across large numbers of machines.

PowerShell scripting capabilities

PowerShell cmdlets can be combined into scripts, essentially text files with the .PS1 extension. These scripts can use the entire library of PowerShell cmdlets, external PowerShell modules, and the .NET framework.

Related:How To Use PS2EXE To Convert PowerShell Scripts Into EXE Files

PowerShell scripts are ideal for automating tasks, such as provisioning storage in Windows Server.

In addition to being a powerful scripting language, PowerShell is versatile enough to write full-blown applications using it.

Cross-platform support

Originally, PowerShell was designed solely for Windows management. However, Microsoft has since made PowerShell open-source and cross-platform. 

PowerShell is available for download for Windows, Linux, and MacOS on Microsoft’s website. There are even builds available for ARM and Docker environments.

It is worth noting that because Microsoft developed PowerShell for Windows, many cmdlets are specific to that operating system. As such, the cross-platform versions of PowerShell support fewer cmdlets compared to the Windows-specific version.

PowerShell Learning Resources

Introduction and Basics

These articles provide instructions that will help new users. 

File and Data Management

Scripting Writing and Advanced Scripting

PowerShell Automation and Scheduling

Security and Credentials

Learn about securing PowerShell and using PowerShell for security-related tasks. 

Storage Management

PowerShell Tricks and Tips

Boost your skills with these articles, which look at interesting ways to use PowerShell.

Integrating With AI