This Post Has 5 Comments

1. A “Must Have” on Powershell
   “Mastering PowerShell Scripting – Fifth Edition: Automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex administrative tasks using PowerShell” by Chris Dent is an exceptional resource for IT professionals, system administrators, and developers seeking to harness the full potential of PowerShell scripting. This comprehensive guide, now in its fifth edition, has been thoroughly updated to cover the latest advancements in PowerShell and provides a deep dive into the world of automation and administrative task simplification.The book is authored by a PowerShell expert who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. He has crafted a well-structured and accessible learning path that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. The author’s clear explanations, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises make the learning process engaging and effective.One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on practical application. The authors go beyond merely explaining the syntax and commands of PowerShell; they provide in-depth guidance on how to apply PowerShell scripting to solve real-world problems. From automating routine tasks and managing Active Directory to working with cloud platforms like Azure and AWS, the book covers a wide range of scenarios that IT professionals encounter in their daily work.The fifth edition of “Mastering PowerShell Scripting” is updated to include the latest features and enhancements introduced in PowerShell 7, ensuring that readers are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and best practices. The author has also expanded the coverage of advanced topics, such as error handling, debugging techniques, and performance optimization, enabling readers to write more robust and efficient scripts.Throughout the book, Chris Dent emphasizes the importance of writing clean, maintainable, and reusable code. He provides valuable insights into scripting best practices, coding standards, and design patterns that help readers develop scripts that are not only functional but also easy to understand and modify. The inclusion of real-world case studies and practical examples reinforces these concepts and demonstrates how PowerShell scripting can be applied in various enterprise environments.The book also delves into the integration of PowerShell with other technologies and platforms, such as .NET, REST APIs, and databases. This holistic approach enables readers to build powerful and versatile automation solutions that can seamlessly interact with different systems and services.One notable aspect of “Mastering PowerShell Scripting” is its emphasis on security and best practices. The authors provide guidance on secure coding techniques, privilege management, and protecting sensitive information, ensuring that readers develop scripts that are not only effective but also secure.The book is accompanied by a wealth of online resources, including sample scripts, exercises, and additional reading materials. These resources enhance the learning experience and provide readers with opportunities to practice and reinforce their skills. The reality is that regardless if you are in operations or in the cybersecurity realm, the use of Microsoft in the workplace is not going away anytime soon, so the need to be capable and excel in Powershell is a critical skill-set and tool all need.In conclusion, “Mastering PowerShell Scripting – Fifth Edition” is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to master PowerShell scripting and leverage its capabilities to automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex administrative tasks. Chris Dent’s expertise, practical approach, and up-to-date coverage make this book a must-have for IT professionals and developers alike. Whether you are a PowerShell novice or an experienced user seeking to expand your skills, this book provides the knowledge and tools necessary to become a PowerShell scripting expert.

   Reply

2. The new cmdlets that let you refine your admin tasks.
   The book is current and very useful in administering Windows-based operating systems.

   Reply

3. Mastering PowerShell Scripting
   Alright, let’s get straight to it—if you’re deep into systems engineering and automation, especially within a Windows-heavy environment, Chris Dent’s Mastering PowerShell Scripting is one of those essential reads that you’ll want to keep close. You know, like a favorite tool in your toolkit, always ready to solve problems or streamline your work.Dent’s experience with PowerShell shines through in every chapter. The book takes you on a detailed journey, starting from the basics (for those who might be brushing up) and leading all the way to the more advanced, niche uses of PowerShell scripting. You’ll start with an intro to PowerShell itself, covering topics like command discovery, parameters, and splatting. And if you’re not familiar with the term “splatting,” don’t worry—it’s not some California surfer lingo, but a smart way to group parameters that you’ll find incredibly useful in automating repetitive tasks.By the time you’re knee-deep in the chapters on objects, operators, and arrays, you start to get a real sense of PowerShell’s versatility. It’s not just about running scripts or automating a few tasks here and there—this is a full-fledged language that’s perfect for managing large-scale systems, whether on-prem or in the cloud. And given how Microsoft has integrated PowerShell with platforms like Azure and even Linux, it’s become a cross-platform powerhouse. So, it’s no surprise that Dent focuses on making PowerShell an indispensable skill for anyone in IT.A cool aspect of the book is how it balances theory and practice. Sure, you’re going to get deep dives into subjects like error handling and testing with Pester, but it’s all paired with real-world applications. For example, there’s a lot of emphasis on testing and debugging. If you’re like me, and maybe a bit meticulous (or just hate when something breaks), you’ll appreciate that the author dedicates entire sections to error handling and debugging. That’s where this book really earns its stripes—it’s not just theory, it’s about making sure your code works in the real world.Plus, let’s talk about remoting and automation, two huge areas of focus. As a system engineer, you’re going to love how Dent breaks down remoting. Whether you’re dealing with servers locally or over vast networks, the remoting capabilities are a game changer. And for those using cross-platform environments—think Windows, Linux, and maybe even a touch of Mac—this book covers that too.One area where this book really excels is in explaining the “why” behind the “how.” A lot of scripting books just throw commands at you. Not this one. Dent makes sure you understand what each command is doing under the hood, which is key if you’re trying to fine-tune scripts for specific environments—especially in mission-critical setups like DoD or other high-stakes industries. It’s like learning to ride a bike: Sure, you could just push the pedals, but knowing how the gears work gives you an edge when the road gets rough.On the flip side, if I had to nitpick, it’s that the book can feel dense at times, especially for newcomers. You might need to read through certain sections a couple of times to really grasp the concepts. But that’s more of a testament to the depth of PowerShell than anything else. After all, mastery doesn’t come easy, right?In summary, if you’re serious about automating tasks, optimizing workflows, or just making your life easier as a systems engineer, Mastering PowerShell Scripting is a must-read. It’s a one-stop shop for not just learning PowerShell, but mastering it in a way that you’ll use in the real world—whether you’re dealing with hundreds of machines or fine-tuning a single server. Plus, Dent’s conversational style makes the technical content feel less like a manual and more like a trusted mentor showing you the ropes. Highly recommended for anyone in IT looking to up their scripting game.

   Reply

4. Continuous Learning with PowerShell
   A university professor once told me: “You’ll study until you die”, at that time, it shocked me, as the years passed, I understood that phrase more and more, and this book is a good an example of that, one could think you know “enough”, however , in reality, you never stop learning, I worked 5 years as a technical writer and reviewer of the official documentation for the PowerShell modules of Microsoft Teams, Exchange Server/Online and SharePoint Server/Online and I found in this book many things I didn’t know about.I appreciated that the book includes an entire chapter on how PowerShell and .NET complement each other, thus going beyond the capabilities of using PowerShell in isolation. Additionally, I found it beneficial that there is an invitation to engage with fellow readers through a Discord discussion group, which I believe enhances and broadens the educational experience.In conclusion, “Mastering PowerShell Scripting (5th Edition)” by Chris Dent is an invaluable resource for both novices and experienced PowerShell users. The book’s comprehensive coverage of PowerShell’s capabilities provides a robust framework for automation and scripting. As technology evolves, the lessons and techniques presented in this book will serve as a cornerstone for continuous learning and development in PowerShell scripting. Whether you are looking to refine your skills or explore new frontiers.

   Reply

5. Download a free PDF copy of this book の申請フォームで、ファイルフォーマット選択に問題があります。セレクタが表示されません。またこれ以外にも、購入日の訂正が出来ません。4th Edition Kindle を購入しておいて良かったです。

   Reply