We already have several scripting languages like VBScript, Javascript, Bash etc. What gives PowerShell an edge over any other scripting languages? Well, let’s consider below points one by one.
- Close to Simple English
- Capable of handling Objects
- Backed by .NET
Close to Simple English.
If you look at any PowerShell “CmdLet”, it consists of 2 parts.
1. Verb
2. Object
Example: Get-Content
So, if we need to get anything, it should start with Get-*. If you want to set anything, it should start with Set-*. Simple Right?
Want to update anything? its Update-*
Capable of handling Objects
Let’s say, you want to fetch a list of files in a folder. What will you do in CMD?
“dir”. Right?
What will you get in DIR result?
List of files in plain Text Format…
This is where PowerShell is different.
Let’s take one more example.
You went to a CAR DEALER and asked for list of CARs available in his showroom.
With VBScript, you will get a list of CARs in paper.
However, with PowerShell, you will get all real cars which you can drive 🙂
Want to learn more about Objects?
Backed by .NET
Windows is using lots of .NET Framework behind the scene. Or, in simple language, in PowerShell, we can make use of all of those predefined classes from .NET Framework.
Binlabs 