Powershell Plus Free

[MilesAhead]

I haven't gotten into Powershell. But I do check out Gizmo's site for news. In Hot Finds there's a notice Powershell Plus IDE is now free.  Here's the link to the article:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/200-programming-ide-now-free.htm

and here's the page for download:
http://www.idera.com/Free-Tools/PowerShell-Plus/

When you click the Download Button it asks for an email address. A Hotmail address works fine. The next page has links for both 32 bit and 64 bit versions.

I haven't decided if I'm going to get into PS programming. But I have the IDE zip files just in case.

[cranioscopical]

Thanks for the pointer I'll stick 'em on the shelf 

[rjbull]

When would you use Powershell, versus when would you use a good macro program like Macro Express, PowerPro, or one of the many others?

[MilesAhead]

I've never tried PowerShell myself. I've seen people post scripts here and there. It does seem like it has some powerful features. But the syntax isn't exactly transparent. I just grabbed the IDE in case I decide to try it.  I assume there's stuff like IntelliSense that would make using the scripting easier.

Another reason I may not adopt it is many people won't have it on their PCs unless they have Windows Seven.  Looks like it's a SysAdmin or System Configurator type tool trying to move its way into the mainstream.  But a PowerShell programmer would certainly know more than I.

[Shades]

It is pretty powerfull. And you come to appreciate PowerShell a lot more with an IDE like the one from Idera. Most IDE´s nowadays have autocomplete for the script commands they support (including helpful description) and that makes it a lot easier to work and get used with these commands.

Version 1.1 is also available on WinXP since SP2 if memory serves me right. Windows 7 is likely to have version 2.0 from PowerShell. The IDE can work with both.

Thanks for the heads-up  

[MilesAhead]

Thanks for the heads-up

You're welcome. Now you've tempted me. Since PS is already on W7 I guess I'll have to put on the IDE and try out some sample scripts to see what the deal is.

[Ath]

PowerShell is the intended 'upgrade' for Windows Batch files, but with a tad more Powerrrrrr : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb978526.aspx ;

[MilesAhead]

I just installed it. Looks like it expects you to be on a domain and serve up databases. I've seen some posts showing it could do some cool things. But man, the syntax is really weird.

At least the IDE came up anyway. Always a good sign.

[x16wda]

Powershell can do some very nice things for scripting, like piping objects and not just text.  But it can also be pigheaded about others, like some of its formatting options.  Required for working with new releases of Exchange, Sql, Sharepoint, active directory.  I keep telling myself that familiarity breeds....... resigned acceptance?

[MilesAhead]

Heh heh. Thanks for the insight.