This document introduces PowerShell modules as a way to distribute additional PowerShell functionality. Modules allow any IT pro to create and share groups of functions, scripts, and other files. A module is simply a collection of files stored in a folder with an optional manifest file. Importing a module makes its contents accessible to the user. The document demonstrates how to create a basic module with two functions and manifest file, and provides examples of existing community modules available online.

1. An Introduction to PowerShell Modules Jonathan Medd

2. How can you distribute additional PowerShell functionality? Snapin – PowerShell v1 Provider or Cmdlets Not for your average IT Pro to create Module – PowerShell v2 (Snapins still available) Provider, Cmdlets, Functions, Variables and Aliases Any IT Pro can make a module

3. What is a module? Simple as a collection of files containing functions, scripts etc and possibly other files such as the manifest to make it more professional Stored within a folder as a subfolder of the Modules location. Can be found via $env:PSModulePath Contents made accessible to the user via the Import-Module cmdlet

4. Why bother? Makes sharing of groups of functions and scripts easy Simple XCOPY style deployment of the module folder either internally or publishing to an external website Make your commonly used functions available to yourself without ‘Profile Bloat’ – they are available as and when you need them from a module

5. Modules can transform you from this:

6. To Superstars with Groupies:

7. More on the module that made that transformation happen later........

8. Buy This Book

9. Making Your First Module Create two functions Save them into a *.psm1 file to the module folder Import them for use into your session Go! Yes it is as easy as that

10. Demo – Create a Module

11. Making Your Module More Professional Create a Module Manifest using New-ModuleManifest Include Authoring or Version info Specify minimum versions of PowerShell or .NET required for the module Nest other modules Run scripts prior to loading the module, e.g. check for third-party snapin dependencies Can be created manually Use Test-ModuleManifest to check for issues

12. Demo – Create The Manifest

13. Modules Make Distributing Your Code Easier VS

14. Demo – PowerCLIBook Module

15. Other Modules Windows Server2008 R2 -> Community Modules PowerShell Community Extensions BSonPOSH Module SQLPSX Search on http://www.codeplex.com – currently 50+

16. Demo – TroubleShootingPack Module

17. Wrap Up Get-Help about_Modules http://www.simple-talk.com/sysadmin/powershell/an-introduction-to-powershell-modules/ http://blogs.technet.com/b/heyscriptingguy/archive/2010/01/18/hey-scripting-guy-january-18-2010.aspx