Extending PowerShell from Pluralsight

Extending PowerShell by using non-default commands written by creators of PowerShell content will provide you with a rich and powerful tool, but where do you start? This course will teach you what PowerShell modules are and how to begin using them.

If you’re getting started with PowerShell, or maybe have dabbled with it as an interactive shell, you’ll soon understand that there is a whole ecosystem of commands other than the ones pre-installed on your system, often packaged and delivered as PowerShell modules. You might be wondering how to find and work with those modules to extend your usability of PowerShell. In this course, Extending PowerShell, you’ll learn how to find, install, and use PowerShell modules. First, you’ll understand what a PowerShell module is and why authors package code in a module. Then, you’ll explore some of the fundamental commands to explore modules pre-installed on your system. Next, you’ll learn about PowerShell repositories and how to find modules within a repositor. Finally, you’ll see how to manage and maintain modules by installing, updating, removing, uninstalling, and saving them. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of PowerShell modules needed to leverage and enhance the extended PowerShell ecosystem in your day to day work.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introducing PowerShell Modules

Managing PowerShell Modules

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces PowerShell and add-ons that enhance the utility of the shell, increasing functionality

Explores options in the PowerShell ecosystem for customization and tailoring commands for specific needs

Taught by experienced instructors with deep knowledge and expertise in PowerShell and scripting

Focuses on real-world application of PowerShell and add-ons, providing practical value to learners

May be useful for individuals interested in expanding their PowerShell skills and exploring customization options

Aimed at learners with some understanding of PowerShell, as it covers advanced topics like modules and custom commands

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Extending PowerShell with these activities:

Organize and review lecture notes, course materials, and assignments

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Enhance your understanding and retention of the course materials by organizing and reviewing them regularly.

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Gather all lecture notes, course slides, and assignments
Review and organize them by topic or module
Highlight key concepts and make annotations for better understanding
Create a study guide or summary sheet for quick reference

Review basic PowerShell commands and syntax

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Ensure a solid foundation for the course by refreshing your knowledge of basic PowerShell commands and syntax.

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Review online documentation or tutorials on PowerShell basics
Practice using basic commands in the PowerShell ISE or console

Install and use PowerShell modules

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Practice installing and using PowerShell modules to enhance your understanding of PowerShell's ecosystem.

Browse courses on PowerShell Modules

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Explore the PowerShell Gallery to find modules
Install a module using the Install-Module command
Import the module using Import-Module
Use the module's commands in your PowerShell scripts or commands

Four other activities

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Complete practice exercises on PowerShell modules

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Improve your proficiency in working with PowerShell modules by completing practice exercises.

Browse courses on PowerShell Modules

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Find practice exercises online or in books
Solve the exercises by implementing PowerShell modules and commands
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Create a blog post about PowerShell modules

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Enhance your understanding of PowerShell modules and improve your communication skills by writing a blog post about their benefits and usage.

Browse courses on PowerShell Modules

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Choose a specific topic related to PowerShell modules
Research and gather information on the topic
Write the blog post, explaining the concepts and providing examples
Edit and proofread your post
Publish the blog post on a platform like Medium or your own website

Follow a tutorial on advanced PowerShell module development

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Deepen your knowledge and skills in PowerShell module development by following a comprehensive tutorial.

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Find a reputable tutorial on PowerShell module development
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, creating your own module
Test and debug your module to ensure functionality
Publish your module to the PowerShell Gallery or share it with others

Create a PowerShell module for automating a task in your organization

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Apply your knowledge of PowerShell modules to create a practical solution for your organization by automating a repetitive task.

Browse courses on PowerShell Modules

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Identify a suitable task to automate
Design and develop a PowerShell module to automate the task
Test and refine your module
Deploy and implement the module in your organization
Monitor and maintain the module to ensure its effectiveness

Career center

Learners who complete Extending PowerShell will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects to meet specific objectives. They work with a variety of stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Project Manager by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate project management tasks and improve the efficiency of project management processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create software solutions that meet the needs of users and organizations. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Software Engineer by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate tasks and improve software development processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and data analysis techniques to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Data Analyst by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate data analysis tasks and improve the efficiency of data analysis processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases to ensure that they are available, reliable, and secure. They work with a variety of database technologies to create, configure, and maintain databases, as well as to monitor and troubleshoot database performance. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Database Administrator by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate database administration tasks and improve the efficiency of database administration processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Auditor

IT Auditors review and evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems and processes. They work with a variety of audit techniques to identify risks and vulnerabilities, and to make recommendations for improvement. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as an IT Auditor by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate audit tasks and improve the efficiency of audit processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data. They work with a variety of security tools and techniques to identify, prevent, and respond to security threats and vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as an Information Security Analyst by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate security analysis tasks and improve the efficiency of security operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers plan, develop, and launch new products and services. They work with a variety of stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product roadmaps, and manage product lifecycles. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Product Manager by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate product management tasks and improve the efficiency of product management processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions that meet the needs of organizations. They work with a variety of cloud computing technologies to create, configure, and manage cloud platforms, as well as to monitor and troubleshoot cloud performance. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Cloud Architect by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate cloud administration tasks and improve the efficiency of cloud operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer combines software development with information technology (IT) operations. Through the use of software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools, they enable teams to automate processes, reduce errors, and ensure a continuous flow of code from development to operations. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a DevOps Engineer by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate tasks and streamline operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of information technology (IT) professionals within an organization. They develop and implement IT strategies, policies, and procedures, in addition to overseeing the acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of IT systems and services. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as an IT Manager by teaching how to find and manage PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate tasks and improve the efficiency of IT operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation for a variety of products and services. They work with a variety of writing tools and techniques to create user guides, manuals, and other technical documents. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Technical Writer by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate documentation tasks and improve the efficiency of documentation processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of networking technologies to create, configure, and manage networks, as well as to monitor and troubleshoot network performance. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Network Engineer by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate network administration tasks and improve the efficiency of network operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain hardware and software systems that support the day-to-day operations of an organization. They ensure that networks, servers, desktops, and applications are configured correctly and run smoothly. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Systems Administrator by teaching how to find, install, and manage PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate tasks and manage systems effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts analyze and investigate computer security threats and vulnerabilities. They work with a variety of security tools and techniques to identify, prevent, and respond to security incidents. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Security Analyst by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate security analysis tasks and improve the efficiency of security operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software products to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with a variety of testing tools and techniques to identify defects and bugs, and to make recommendations for improvement. This course may be useful for gaining the skills needed to succeed as a Quality Assurance Analyst by teaching how to find and work with PowerShell modules, which may be used to automate testing tasks and improve the efficiency of testing processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst