PoshBytes: Encrypting secrets with Protect-CmsMessage (without summoning eldritch IT beings) Learn how to secure sensitive data in PowerShell using Protect-CmsMessage and Unprotect-CmsMessage. This PoshBytes episode covers how to encrypt, decrypt, and share secrets safely for real-world automation and configuration scenarios. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Create and...

In this episode of PoshBytes, we pit -replace against .Replace() in a battle of brains versus brawn. Regex wizardry versus the blunt hammer of literal text replacement. Learn when to wield the wand and when to swing the mallet in your PowerShell scripts! This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the...

Today on PoshBytes, we are going to look at creating custom properties right in the pipeline with Select-Object. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Watch the video on YouTube PoshBytes: Select-Object With Custom Properties (Because Plain Properties Are Boring) PoshBytes: Select-Object With Custom Properties (Because Plain Properties Are...

In this episode of PoshBytes, we dive into the often-overlooked magic of PowerShell’s Get-Clipboard and Set-Clipboard cmdlets. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Watch the video on YouTube PoshBytes: Copy, Paste, Automate! This post walks through simple, practical clipboard operations in PowerShell. Each example includes a short summary...

PoshBytes: Update-List The often forgotten, but always useful Update-List. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Create Sample Objects Define a helper function that returns a test server object with a Tags list, then create two copies for side-by-side comparisons. Function Get-TestSrv { param($n = 1) [pscustomobject]@{ Name =...

PoshBytes: Arrays vs. Lists What is the difference between Arrays and Lists, and SPOILER ALERT why you should use Lists. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Arrays: Creating and Appending Arrays have a fixed size. Using += creates a new array each time. $arr = 1,2,3 $arr $arr...

PoshBytes: Add-Content vs Out-File Today, we’re tackling two cmdlets that both claim to “write to a file” but behave like distant cousins at a family reunion. That’s right, it’s Add-Content vs Out-File. This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Step 1: Behold the Data Let’s start with some gloriously...

PowerShell Magic with Tee-Object: Have Your Output and Use It Too Have you ever run a PowerShell command and thought, Gosh, I wish I could save this output and keep using it in the same pipeline! That’s where Tee-Object comes in — like a benevolent wizard that hands you a copy of the scroll and sends it off to the...

Write-Host vs Write-Output: What’s the Difference? In PowerShell, Write-Host and Write-Output are often mistaken for interchangeable commands.  This post is a companion for the video embedded below. Scroll down to see the code from the video. Side-by-Side Comparison Write-Host "Hello from Write-Host" Write-Output "Hello from Write-Output" At first glance, they both display text to the screen. However: Write-Host sends output directly...