Start Scripting with PowerShell

Variables

$ is used in PowerShell to create and use variables.

First time in Programming, you can use space in variable.

You can use latters, numbers, spaces and underscores in variables.

Example:

$MyVar = 7

${My Var} = “Test”

You can also give Variable type like string, integer.

Example:

                [String]$MyName = “Ronak”

                [int]$Test = 6

Now if you give $Test = “test” it will give error. Because $Test is fixed for type [int].

You can use variable as multiple types by using runtime type casting.

Example:

                $x = [int] 6  ß This will store 6 as integer in variable x

Now, $x = “Test” ß This will store string into variable x.

You can use all variable types which are available in .NET.

You can also use following commands:

• New-Variable
• Set-Variable
• Get-Variable
• Clear-Variable
• Remove-Variable

Quotation Marks

Pay attention! Single quotes and Double quotes performs differently in PowerShell.

Double Quotes resolves all variables.

Single Quotes prevents substitutions.

Example:

$x = 2

"The Value of $x is $x" ß The Value of 2 is 2

'The Value of $x is $x' ß The Value of $x is $x

"The Value of `$x is $x" ß The Value of $x is 2

Back-trick (` sign available below Esc key) is used to prevent individual substitutions.