Advanced PowerShell

At Course Completion

• What are objects and how to use them.
• PowerShell functions and how to leverage them.
• How to create a cmdlet.
• Customize object output
• Advanced module creation
• Advanced error handling and debugging skills.
• How to install and configure PowerShell7 and VSCode.
• How to build graphical interfaces on top of the code you have already created.

Audience Profile

The course is designed for anyone who already has experience developing automation code using PowerShell and is interested in created modules of code for the automation of tasks and processes.  The participant will already have completed either MOC 10961 or AZ-040.

Prerequisites

• Completion of MOC 10961 or AZ-040
• Experience in creating PowerShell solutions.
• Experience leveraging WMI/CIM using PowerShell

Outline

Module 1 – Getting to Know Objects

This module builds the foundation of how PowerShell represents information.  We will be creating our own object as the output of or code, keeping in line with PowerShell best practices.

Lessons:

• Properties
• Methods
• Events

Labs:

• Lab 1 – Discovering Objects

Module 2 – PowerShell Functions

We will discover how functions can be use to modularize your code to hep making testing and development easier, but also advancing your functions to become PowerShell cmdlets that can accept information inside of the PowerShell Pipeline.

Lessons:

• Building a basic function
• Passing data
• How to use functions
• Advanced parameterization

Labs:

• Lab 2A – Using private functions
• Lab 2B – Working with Parameters
• Lab 2C – Working with switch parameters
• Lab 2D – PowerShell Pipeline ByValue
• Lab 2E – PowerShell Pipeline ByPropertyName
• Lab 2F – Write code to Accept Input ByProperyName

Module 3 – Creating Output

Now that we have the ability to create PowerShell cmdlets, we need to be able to create output that is accepted by other cmdlets.  We will be creating customize objects.

Lessons:

• Why create custom objects?
• Ways to create objects
• Naming your objects
• Accepting your objects in the pipeline

Labs:

• Lab 3A – Creating custom objects
• Lab 3B – Accepting your objects in the pipeline

Module 4 – Advanced PowerShell Modules

This lesson is about polishing your PowerShell models to a professional level.  We will take control of the output system to control what is displayed as well as ensure you code follows community standards.

Lesson:

• How to create a module
• Module manifest
• Formatting file
• Reviewing your code

Labs:

• Lab 4A – Complete the formatting file

Module 5 – Advanced debugging and error handling

Code never works the first time.  We will focus on techniques to help you discover why your code is not working correctly and how to handle errors properly when they occur.

Lessons:

• VSCode debugging
• Try / Catch / Finally
• How PowerShell handles errors
• Handling specific errors

Labs:

• Module 5 Lab A – Custom Error Handling

Module 6 – Final coding project

In this exercise, you will create cmdlets that work together to parse data from a threat intelligence provider to recover data that you need to investigate a security incident.  You will use the cumulative knowledge they you learned in the proceeding lessons to complete this assignment.

Module 7 – Graphical Interfaces

PowerShell has great potential not only for the technical users, but for the non-technical users as well.  This module is about how to put a graphical interface on top of your PowerShell code to make it usable by all.  We will cover the more popular graphical control elements and sharpen our skills through a series of challenges.

Lessons:

• Installing the support software
• Events
• Forms
• Label
• Textboxes
• Buttons
• Radio buttons
• Check boxes
• Data grid views
• Scopes of memory
• Form projects
• Deploying GUIs.