Chapter 16. Variables, arrays, hash tables, and scriptblocks

This chapter covers

  • Variable names and types
  • Strict mode
  • Variable drives and cmdlets
  • Arrays
  • Hash tables
  • Scriptblocks

Variables are a big part of any programming language or operating system shell, and PowerShell is no exception. In this chapter, we’ll explain what they are and how to use them, and we’ll cover some advanced variable-like data structures such as arrays, hash tables, and scriptblocks.

16.1. Variables

Variables are quite simply a temporary storage area for data. If you have some piece of data you plan to use over and over again, it makes sense to store it in a variable rather than having to retrieve it from where it’s stored each time you need it. Or if you ...

Get PowerShell in Depth now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.