PowerShell
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Creating a Real-World PowerShell Module: Scaffolding Functions
Are you struggling to find the perfect PowerShell module for your unique scenario? With thousands of modules available, it might feel like you should just settle for what’s out there. Well, that could leave your solution incomplete or inefficient. Why not start creating modules instead? This guide will walk you through creating modules to build robust, reusable solutions tailored to your needs. Turn your scripts into powerful building blocks you can reuse across different projects! Building a Computer Inventory Module…
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Creating a Real-World Module: Creating Functions
Managing systems can feel like juggling too many balls at once. One minute, you’re troubleshooting a storage issue; the next, you’re hunting down processor specs or checking memory capacity. Doing so manually is not only tedious but prone to mistakes. If you’re stuck in this cycle, it’s time to stop the madness. Automation is your answer! In this guide, you’ll learn how to build PowerShell functions so you can streamline your workflows and focus on what really matters. Enjoy a…
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Automate and Standardize IBM ACE Installation With PowerShell
Tackling the Repetition If you’ve worked with IBM App Connect Enterprise (ACE) for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with the repetitive nature of installations. Each setup involves the same predictable steps: unpacking the release files, configuring directories, updating scripts, adjusting ODBC entries, setting up the runtime environment, and verifying that everything runs smoothly. While these steps might seem routine, the manual process is inherently prone to human error. A missed step, such as skipping a configuration file or…
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PowerShell Pester 101: A Practical Guide for Beginners
When you run a script, how can you be sure it did exactly what you intended? Maybe it removed a file or stopped a service. But did it do so flawlessly across every environment, user session, or machine it touched? If your script impacts dozens—testing with Pester is your best bet. Pester, the powerful PowerShell module, helps you write automated tests using a domain-specific language (DSL). In this tutorial, you’ll learn to eliminate the guesswork and create a rock-solid process…
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PowerShell Modules: A Beginner’s Guide to Extending Functionality
Building automation with PowerShell might initially seem overwhelming, but like any great endeavor, it’s all about taking it step by step. Picture PowerShell as a collection of building blocks, with modules as the foundation that brings its functionality to life. In this article, you’ll discover what PowerShell modules are, how to find them, and how to use them to supercharge your automation tasks. From managing virtual machines to connecting with cloud services or automating Active Directory, modules make it all…
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PowerShell 101: Importing Modules
Have you ever run a PowerShell command and received the dreaded “The term is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet” error message? Here’s the kicker: the problem could be as simple as a missing or unimported module. Even in modern PowerShell versions, understanding how modules work is key to diagnosing and fixing these issues. The good news? This guide covers everything from checking which modules PowerShell currently imported to mastering how to import, remove, and re-import them. By…
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PowerShell 101: Finding and Installing New Modules
Managing tasks in PowerShell often feels like magic—until you need missing functionality. Whether automating updates, managing user accounts, or accessing advanced features, you’ll quickly find that the built-in tools don’t cover everything. In such cases, you realize: I need more modules, but where do I even start? By the end of this guide, you’ll have the skills to automate more tasks and keep your environment lean and efficient. Dive in and become a PowerShell module pro! Searching for a Module…
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Build a Scalable PowerShell Pester Testing Framework
If you find yourself spending more time maintaining your Pester tests than actually creating new ones, this post is for you. In this post, I will share a project I’ve been working on with Devolutions. Backstory We had a problem at Devolutions. The flagship PowerShell module Devolutions.PowerShell lacked Pester tests. I know, I know. They did have C# tests but that’s another story. As a consultant for Devolutions focused on PowerShell, I was asked to create a suite of Pester…
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Master PowerShell Remote Sessions: Interactive & Persistent Access
Managing remote systems can often feel like navigating a maze. Interactive sessions may be the answer if you get stuck trying to troubleshoot a server issue. With the right approach, you can connect to remote machines effortlessly, interact with them in real time, and even maintain connections for longer-term work. In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock the full potential of PowerShell sessions to move from frustration to mastery. Streamline your remote management game and make those tedious tasks…