In contrast, PowerShell offers a CLI with a mature and detailed scripting language that enables a user with rudimentary programming skills to craft a detailed set of specific instructions, or a script, for a desired task. GUIs were designed to be comfortable for humans to use, but they can be time-consuming, cumbersome and error-prone - especially when a task must be repeated hundreds or thousands of times. It can involve clicking buttons, moving sliders, selecting files from multilayered menus and other actions. The most appealing reason to use any kind of CLI is the potential for precise and repeatable control over a desired action or task flow that is difficult, or even impossible, to replicate with a traditional GUI.Ĭonsider using a GUI to perform an intricate task. PowerShell's role as a command-line shell is how most users become acquainted with the technology. Microsoft, for example, made PowerShell the default command-line interface (CLI) for Windows 10 as of build 14791. PowerShell also serves as the replacement for Microsoft's Command Prompt, which dates back to DOS. Those data stores include file system drives and Windows registries. 'PowerShell providers' are programs that make data contained in specialized data stores accessible at the command line. It can extract information on OSes, such as the specific version and service pack levels. NET classes.Īdmins can use PowerShell to handle a wide range of activities. With executables, which are standalone tools.

With scripts, which are combinations of cmdlets and associated logic.NET classes that appear as system commands. The PowerShell language, similar to Perl, offers several ways to automate tasks: Microsoft designed PowerShell to automate system tasks, such as batch processing, and to create system management tools for commonly implemented processes.

In 2016, Microsoft open sourced PowerShell and made it available on Linux and macOS. Today, PowerShell is available by default on most recent Windows systems simply type 'powershell' into the Windows search bar to locate the PowerShell app. PowerShell originated as a proprietary offering that was only available on Windows.

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