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Microsoft Readies PowerShell
A command-line environment and scripting language for Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft is readying the release version of the long-awaited PowerShell 1.0 -- a command-line environment and scripting language for Windows Server 2003 -- and plans to have it out by year's end. Developers are anxious to tap PowerShell for its ability to manage automated batch operations, such as software builds and compiles, which today must be kicked off using third-party tools and hand-tuned batch files.
The company delivered Release Candidate 2 (RC2) of PowerShell 1.0 early this fall. According to statements on the company's PowerShell team blog, the RC adds direct support for Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI), meant to simplify Active Directory administration, as well as improved support for Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), adding the ability to change WMI properties via methods.
PowerShell 1.0 RC2 also supports additional logical operators (XOR and binary XOR) that make it easier to write sophisticated scripts. The environment includes improved help content and functionality, such as including new views to simplify finding information.
Windows PowerShell 1.0 works with Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows XP SP2-both 32-bit and 64-bit editions-and requires the original release version of the .NET Framework 2.0.
About the Author
Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.