How to Create and Run PowerShell Scripts: A Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

Working with PowerShell scripting can be an exciting possibility. After all, it provides a clean interface for creating scripts to automate everyday tasks.

If you're a developer, you can build complete automation scripts - PowerShell is great at this, especially if you're using it to build, test, and deploy solutions for CI/CD environments.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at creating and running PowerShell scripts. Here we discuss a step by step guide on how to do itCode VSNotepad and integrated scripting environment.

Let's begin.

What is PowerShell?

PowerShellis a cross-platform automation and configuration tool. It provides a complete suite for administrators, developers and other users to use cmdlets (small and lightweight command) to manage various tasks.

As part of the package you get:

• Commandoregel-shell
• associatethe language of letters
• Framework for handling cmdlets

Unlike the command line, it is available on all major platforms including Windows, Linux and macOS.

Technically speaking, PowerShell is based on .NET. Its approach supports objects and structured data such as JSON, CSV and XML. Developers can also use REST APIs with PowerShell. Unfortunately, the basic command line doesn't support any of that because it's text-based.

All PowerShell scripts are written in .ps1expansion.

When writing scripts in PowerShell, you need to know three key concepts:

• cmdlet:They are atomic executable scripts that provide pre-configured functions. For example, you can use Copy-Item to copy, Get-Help to get help, or Write-Host to display something on the screen.
• Shortcuts:Aliases provide an easy way to refer to cmdlets. Provides faster access. However, it is recommended to use them with queries for interactive purposes and not when writing PowerShell scripts.
• Features:A function is a set of PowerShell statements. Users can invoke a function by calling.

PowerShell and scripts

Scripts are the primary method of automating aspects of your work. Whether you're a developer, administrator, or freelancer, scripts can automate everyday work processes

After all, scripts have many advantages, including:

• Save valuable time with automation.
• Transferable knowledge.
• Ensure consistency between systems.
• It improves your skills and employability.

You can run PowerShell, Bash Scripting, Ruby or Python scripts.

In general, PowerShell is a great scripting tool. However, Windows prevents scripts from running due to security settings. This can lead to errors like "Scripting is disabled on this system". To work around it, you need to set the correct execution policy. (discussed later in the article).

Why use PowerShell for scripting?

One of the biggest reasons why PowerShell is a great choice for scripting is its cross-platform ability. It supports Windows, Linux and macOS that the standard Windows command line does not support.

You can use PowerShell to create simple tasks with its simple task builder tools. For example, you can use PowerShell to restart your computer, periodically clear your cache, and even check your session.

In addition, PowerShell scripts are mainly used to automate system administration. However, you can use it as a developer to test, create and deploy upgrades through a CI/CD environment.

How are PowerShell scripts created?

You need a text editor to create PowerShell scripts. You can usually do just fine with a simple text editor, but a modern text/code editor makes the whole process much more manageable.

So, first we'll show you how to create PowerShell scripts using Visual Studio Code (also known as VS Code). We also discuss how to create PowerShell scripts in Notepad and other integrated scripting environments, such as the PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment. (PowerShell ISE).

# 1.With VS code

VS Code is a robust and reliable free cross-platform code editor. It is developed by Microsoft with the added benefit of good PowerShell support.

You get a clean interface right out of the box and you can use it with almost anyoneprogramming language.

Since VS Code is a good code editor, it supports extensions. To enhance our PowerShell scripting environment, we use the PowerShell extension.

Install the Visual Studio code

But for that you need to install VS Code.

Go to for thisVisual Studio Code Download Page.Select the appropriate version of VS Code based on your operating system. Since we are using Windows 11, we decided to go with the Windows version.

After downloading, double-click the installer and follow the wizard to install it on your computer.

Install the PowerShell extension

You can install the PowerShell extension in two ways. First, create a new file with the extension.ps1expansion.

VSCode is smart enough to know you're working with PowerShell and automatically recommends installing the "PowerShell Extension" from Microsoft.

You can click "Install" to install it. Otherwise, click "View recommendation" for more information.

If for some reason Visual Studio Code didn't give you recommendations, you can search for the plugin manually.

Click on the symbol of four squares (with onesquaredeparture) or pressCtrl+Shift+Xto open an extension window. Now search for "Microsoft PowerShell" and click on the first result. From there, go to Install.

Finally, you will be asked if you want to trust the authors of the files in your workspace. Click "Trust Workspace & Install" to complete the installation.

Create a PowerShell script with VS Code

You can now create your first Powershell script with VS Code and its extensions properly installed.

If you have not created a new file, you can do so by following the steps below.

1. Open VS Code
2. Go to the top menu, click File, then New Text File.
3. Now save the file by going to File > Save As.
4. Enter the desired file name and do not forget to add the extension .ps1
5. Finally, click Save File.

That's it! Now you can build your script accordingly. I added a Write-Host cmdlet with the value "This is a VS Code script written for Geekflare".

We'll see how to run the script later, so keep reading!

#2.With a notebook

Creating PowerShell scripts in Notepad is easy.

All you have to do is follow the steps below:

1. Open Start and search for Notepad.

2. Now right click on it and select "Open as Administrator".

3. Now write your script.

4. In the guide we will write: "This is a PowerShell script written in Notepad."

5. Go to File in the top menu and click "Save As".

6. Choose a name for the PowerShell script and click "Save".

That's it. You have successfully created a PowerShell script using Notepad.

#3.Z PowerShell-ISE

PowerShell on Windows also offers its own integrated scripting environment. You can use it to code your scripts without relying on third partiescode or text editors.

To use it successfully, you need to follow the steps below:

1. Start opening.

2. Now search for the keyword "Windows PowerShell ISE"

3. Select the first result, right-click and then left-click "Run as administrator". The PowerShell ISE window opens.

4. Now click on File and then select "New". A new file window will open as below.

7. Enter the required script. In the tutorial we will write: "This is a PowerShell script written using PowerShell ISE."

8. When you're done, go to File and Save As.

9. Here, select a file name and click Save.

You can also run the script directly from PowerShell ISE. To do this, click the RUN button at the top of the environment. If it reports a security error, learn how to fix it below.

How to fix and run a PowerShell script security error

As mentioned earlier, Windows has a strict security policy when running scripts. To resolve this, you need to enable scripting on your Windows computer.

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Search in PowerShell.
3. Now right-click on the PowerShell application and right-click on it.
4. Select the "Run as administrator" option.
5. Once PowerShell opens, type "Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned"
6. Press Enter and then you will be prompted for confirmation. Press A to turn it on.

That's it; now you can finally run all your scripts!

For PowerShell ISE it looks like this.

For Visual Studio Code it looks like this.

And for Notepad, you have to run it directly from the PowerShell command line.

Best practices for writing and running PowerShell scripts

Follow best practices when working with PowerShell scripts. These practices include:

• Use the full name of the cmdlet instead of the alias. An alias is only useful when interacting with the console. Alias ​​improves faster interactivity, but can break the script.
• It is best not to useHost recordscmdlet because it provides limited functionality. For example, it only sends output to the screen. However, it can be used to display text in a specific color. You can use insteadRecording outputcmdleti.
• Always use the singular form of the cmdlet instead of the plural.
• Use an approved cmdlet word.
• If possible, please provide the application extension. Eliminates confusion and improves readability.
• Use a dedicated PowerShell code editor such as VS Code or PowerShell ISE. They provide excellent features for writing and running PowerShell scripts. You can use Notepad or Notepad++, but then you are limiting yourself.
• Try to comment, but don't overdo it because it can damage the readability and maintainability of the code.
• Make sure you set the correct security parameter for running PowerShell scripts.

Application

That's it! You can now create and run PowerShell scripts using Notepad, VS Code, and PowerShell ISE. Additionally, you can use any of the tools listed to write and run PowerShell scripts.

However, as mentioned in the best practices, it is best to avoid writing PowerShell scripts using Notepad or Notepad++, as you lose many of the features offered by the dedicated code editors VS Code and PowerShell ISE.

Then you can also read how to do itcheck the version of PowerShelland update it on the Windows server.