Operating Systems
PowerShell
Definition
PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and the associated scripting language. Unlike most shells, which accept and return text, PowerShell is built on the .NET Framework and accepts and returns .NET objects.
Why It Matters
PowerShell is the modern, powerful command-line tool for managing Windows systems. Its object-based nature makes it extremely powerful for system administration and automation in the Windows ecosystem.
Contextual Example
A Windows administrator uses PowerShell to manage users in Active Directory, configure web servers, and automate the deployment of software updates across hundreds of machines.
Common Misunderstandings
- PowerShell is now cross-platform and can be installed on Linux and macOS as well.
- It is the successor to the old Command Prompt (cmd.exe) in Windows.