Powershell Vocabulary

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binary module

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A Windows PowerShell module whose root module is a binary module file (.dll). A binary module may or may not include a module manifest

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cmdlet

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A task-oriented command that is used in the Windows PowerShell environment.

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common parameter

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A parameter that is added to all cmdlets and advanced functions by the Windows PowerShell engine

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dot source

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to start a command by typing a dot and a space before the command. Commands that are dot sourced run in the current scope instead of in a new scope

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dynamic module

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A module that exists only in memory. The Import-PSSession cmdlet creates dynamic modules

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dynamic parameter

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A parameter that is added to a Windows PowerShell cmdlet, function, or script under certain conditions. Cmdlets, functions, providers, and scripts can add dynamic parameters.

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formatting file

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A Windows PowerShell XML file that has the .format.ps1xml extension and that defines how Windows PowerShell displays an object based on its .NET Framework type.

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global session state

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The session state that contains the data that is accessible to the user of a Windows PowerShell session

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host

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The interface that the Windows PowerShell engine uses to communicate with the user

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host application

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A program that loads the Windows PowerShell engine into its process and uses it to perform operations

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input processing method

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A method that a cmdlet can use to process the records it receives as input. BeginProcessing, ProcessRecord, EndProcessing, StopProcessing method

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manifest module

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A Windows PowerShell module that has a manifest and whose ModulesToProcess key is empty

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module manifest

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A Windows PowerShell data file (.psd1) that describes the contents of a module and that controls how a module is processed

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module session state

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The session state that contains the public and private data of a Windows PowerShell module

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non-terminating error

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An error that does not stop Windows PowerShell from continuing to process the command

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noun

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The word that follows the hyphen in a Windows PowerShell cmdlet name. The noun describes the resources upon which the cmdlet acts

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parameter set

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A group of parameters that can be used in the same command to perform a specific action

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pipe

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to send the results of the preceding command as input to the next command

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pipeline

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A series of commands connected by pipeline operators

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PSSession

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A type of Windows PowerShell session that is created, managed, and closed by the user

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root module

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The module specified in the ModuleToProcess key in a module manifest

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runspace

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the operating environment in which each command in a pipeline is executed

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script block

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a collection of statements or expressions that can be used as a single unit. A script block can accept arguments and return values

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script module

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A module whose root module is a script module file (.psm1). A script module may or may not include a module manifest

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script module file

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A file that contains a Windows PowerShell script. The script defines the members that the script module exports. Script module files have the .psm1 file name extension

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shell

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The command interpreter that is used to pass commands to the operating system

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switch parameter

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A parameter that does not take an argument

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terminating error

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An error that stops Windows PowerShell from processing the command

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transaction

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An atomic unit of work. The work in a transaction must be completed as a whole; if any part of the transaction fails, the entire transaction fails

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types file

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A Windows PowerShell XML file that has the .ps1xml extension and that extends the properties of Microsoft .NET Framework types in Windows PowerShell

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verb

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The word that precedes the hyphen in a Windows PowerShell cmdlet name. The verb describes the action that the cmdlet performs

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Windows PowerShell

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A command-line shell and task-based scripting technology that provides IT administrators comprehensive control and automation of system administration tasks

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Windows PowerShell command

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The elements in a pipeline that cause an action to be carried out, either typed at the keyboard or invoked programmatically

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Windows PowerShell data file

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Text file that has the .psd1 extension. PowerShell uses data files for various purposes such as storing module manifest data and storing translated strings for script internationalization

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Windows PowerShell drive

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virtual drive that provides direct access to a data store. It can be defined by a Windows PowerShell provider or created at the command line

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Windows PowerShell ISE

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application that enables you to run commands and to write, test, and debug scripts in a friendly, syntax-colored, Unicode-compliant environment

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Windows PowerShell module

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self-contained reusable unit that allows you to partition, organize, and abstract your Windows PowerShell code

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A PS module can contain:

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cmdlets, providers, functions, variables, and other types of resources that can be imported as a single unit

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PowerShell provider

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.NET Framework-based program that makes the data in a specialized data store available in Windows PowerShell so that you can view and manage it

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PowerShell snap-in

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resource that defines a set of cmdlets, providers, and Microsoft .NET Framework types that can be added to the Windows PowerShell environment