ArsGeek

Title: Windows PowerShell in Action
Author: Bruce Payette
ISBN10: 1932394907
ISBN13: 978-1932394900
Publisher: Manning Publications
Cost: $44.99
Format: Paperback,
Published: Februrary 2007

Windows PowerShell in Action is an encyclopedic tome of PowerShell scripting bringing the reader through the basics with simple shell scripts through powerful and flexible scripts any Windows systems administrator will find immediately useful.

The book is divided into 13 chapters and three appendices with an index. Payette sorts these chapters into two parts, Learning PowerShell and Using PowerShell. The first focuses on syntax, language and objects and operators, the second focuses on manipulating files and data.

Part 1, Learning PowerShell consists of chapters one through nine and includes an introduction to PowerShell, the basic structure of the language, types, operators and expressions, flow control, functions objects and debugging.

Part 2, Using PowerShell brings the reader through such practical uses such as processing text files, XML, .NET tie-ins, Windows objects (COM and WMI) and creating secure scripts.

Every book has areas where they shine and the appendices of Windows PowerShell in Action is what shines for this book. Appendix A compares PowerShell to other languages, a useful read for those already familiar with programming.

Appendix B, “Admin Examples” is in my opinion the most immediately useful section of the book. It contains a number of PowerShell scripts that will be instantly beneficial to any Windows Sysadmin – not only because these scripts are sure to be immediately useful but because they illustrate how to do immediately useful things. With the knowledge gained from reading this book these scripts serve as a wonderful basis for further understanding just how powerful and useful PowerShell can be.

Appendix C is a grammar reference for PowerShell containing notes and references to just how PowerShell statements are constructed. A handy reference for quick answers on how to write portions of a script.

Windows PowerShell in Action is a straight forward programming book which wastes no time in getting into the nitty gritty of writing PowerShell scripts. Within the first chapter the reader will find themselves immersed in the language and creating scripts on their own. Payette has a straight forward approach to learning and a good sense of humor which helps to keep the reader going.

The book is full of useful examples in the form of code snippets and full blown scripts which guide the reader through the concepts of PowerShell by example. To me this is one of the more useful ways to learn a language particularly if you’re not overly familiar with programming when you pick up this book. The appendices and more advanced examples are well suited for veteran code writers.

This book is well suited for both the novice and experienced programmer looking to learn PowerShell. It will also serve as a great reference for the Admins who will occasionally dip into shell scripting while maintaining their Windows servers and domains.

Technorati Tags: powershell, windows, review, book review, scripting