Windows PowerShell Programming

This module aims to provide a sound foundation in programming and is structured so that an appreciation of good practice is gained as well as the essentials of the Windows PowerShell programming language.

This course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of computer programming. Since Windows 7, a scripting language called PowerShell is available that allows a user to create custom scripts similar to those that have been available in Linux for many years.

This course is ideal for anyone who wants a good general introduction to Windows PowerShell programming.

Learning and teaching

This module includes a mix of traditional lectures and laboratory sessions. Each meeting starts with a lecture and finishes with a laboratory session. On successful completion of the module you will be able to create, execute and schedule PowerShell scripts.

Syllabus:

• redirection of input and output
• piping
• use of MS-DOS commands to create an MS-DOS batch file
• execute and schedule MS-DOS batch files
• use of PowerShell cmdlets to create PowerShell scripts
• execute and schedule PowerShell scripts
• arithmetic operators
• comparison operators
• use of If...Else statement
• use of While, Do...While, Until and Do...Until statements
• use of For statement
• use of Foreach and Switch statements
• formatting of output
• use of command line arguments
• use of arrays
• creation of functions
• debugging scripts.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

During the course, you will be given assignments to be submitted to the course tutor. At the end of the course, there will be a class test. The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Reading suggestions

Windows PowerShell 3.0 by Ed Wilson (available to download online as a PDF).

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.