What Is Powershell? An Introduction

PowerShell is a command-line-based shell and scripting language that automates tasks on the Windows OS. PowerShell lets you automate any task normally done on Windows, like installing programs or updating software, allowing you to complete those tasks faster and on a larger scale. You can even extend its powers with Azure PowerShell to control Azure’s robust functionality, allowing you to use cmdlets to provision VMs, create cloud services, and carry out a number of other complex processes.

At Stackify, we’re big fans of Azure, but that’s not to say it’s the best choice for everyone (check out our Azure vs. AWS comparison here if you’re on the fence). Regardless of whether you intend to extend to Azure or just want to use the plain-old Windows variety, you’ll need to understand the basics, and that’s why we wrote this post. Read on for more.

Getting Started With PowerShell Scripts

Windows PowerShell uses an object-oriented scripting language built on the .NET framework. It allows users to execute commands and write scripts to configure systems and manage data through the command line. PowerShell revolves around cmdlets, which are commands that you chain together to perform complex operations.

However, while the command line runs quick and simple scripting tasks, Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) is a graphical for more complex scripting. PowerShell ISE provides an advanced environment where you create, test, and debug scripts. This makes it an essential tool for those who want to automate tasks, manage computer systems, and develop more complex PowerShell scripts.

Let’s go over some of the basics of PowerShell and how to start using it.

Grammar

PowerShell, like many other coding languages, has a structured grammar format defined by cmdlets, parameters, variables, pipelines, and control structures. They make PowerShell an easy-to-understand tool for automating windows tasks.

Cmdlets

Cmdlets are the building blocks of PowerShell. These are the code-like commands used to perform specific tasks. You build cmdlets using a simple verb-noun structure, like start-service, get-process, new-item, etc.

Parameters

Cmdlets contain parameters, which are like extra instructions to customize what the command does. Parameters start with a dash (-) followed by a value.

Here is a basic example of a cmdlet with a parameter:

Start-Service -Name Audiosrv

This simple cmdlet tells the command line to start up a service. The Name parameter specifies the name of the service to be started, which in this case is the windows audio service (audiosrv) .

Definition of PowerShell Start-Process

The PowerShell Start-Process cmdlet opens an executable file — such as a script file. If it’s not an executable file; it starts the program associated with the file.

How It Works

The PowerShell scripting language enables users to automate and manage Windows and Windows Server systems for executing in text-based shell or saved scripts. Start-Process is a cmdlet — a.k.a. command. Cmdlets are the building blocks of PowerShell for use as pre-defined code for triggering specific processes within PowerShell.

If you think of PowerShell as a car, then the Start-Process would be the ignition key that starts the car. The task or tasks specified in a line would be like taking a ride in your vehicle.

The Start-Process executes the specified file or files on the local computer (which is a feature that helps protect against remote hacks). The cmdlet allows users to specify parameters that trigger options.

How to Access the Command-Line Interface (CLI)

Here’s how to access the CLI:

• -Click on Windows PowerScreen from the Start screen or taskbar.
• -Run PowerShell as an administrator:
  • Right-click Windows PowerShell in the Start screen or taskbar.
  • Click Run as Administrator.

How to Use It

When using the PowerShell CLI, the basic syntax of a Power-Start cmdlet is:

PS C:\> Start-Process <String>

To start a program called notepad on the C drive, use:

PS C:\> Start-Process notepad.exe

Start-Process Parameters

Parameters add more power to the cmdlet. For example, this will start Notepad, maximize the window, and keep it until the user is done with Notepad:

PS C:\> Start-Process -FilePath "notepad" -Wait -WindowStyle Maximized

The parameters that can be used include:

• -ArgumentList — Parameters or parameter values to use.
• -Credential — Specify the user account to perform the process. The default credential is the current user.
• -FilePath (required) — Specify the file path and file name of the program or document for execution.
• -LoadUserProfile — Load the Windows user profile for the current user.
• -NoNewWindow — Start the process in the current console window otherwise a new window is created by default.
• -PassThru — Return a process object for each process without generating any output.
• -RedirectStandardError — Send error messages to a file specified by path and file name instead of displaying error in the console by default.
• -RedirectStandardInput — Read input from a file specified by path and file name.
• -RedirectStandardOutput — Send output to a file specified by path and file name.
• -UseNewEnvironment — Use new environment variables instead of the default environment variables for the computer and user.
• -Verb — Perform an action that is available to the file name extension of the file specified.
• -Wait — Wait for the process to be finished before accepting any more inputs.
• -WindowStyle — Change the state of the window for the new process. Available options:
  • Normal
  • Hidden
  • Minimized
  • Maximized
• -WorkingDirectory — Specify the location of the file that will be executed. The default is the current directory.
• –CommonParameters — Parameters for use by any cmdlet.

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Examples of cmdlets

With a Variable

PS C:\> $Browser = "C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE"

PS C:\> Start-Process $Browser

With Maximum Width Window

PS C:\> $Path = "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer"

PS C:\> Start-Process -WorkingDirectory $Path iexplore.exe -WindowStyle Maximized

Opens File with Notepad

PS C:\> Start-Process notepad.exe OpenThisFile.txt

With WaitForExit and Variable

PS C:\> Start-Process notepad.exe

PS C:\> $NotepadProc = Get-Process -Name notepad

PS C:\> $NotepadProc.WaitForExit()

PS C:\> $Path = "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer"

PS C:\> Start-Process -WorkingDirectory $Path iexplore.exe

Printing a File

PS C:\> start-process PrintThisFile.txt -verb Print

With Running as an Administrator

PS C:\> Start-Process -FilePath "powershell" -Verb runAs

Benefits of PowerShell

1. Script files only can be opened locally. This is a security benefit that prevents remote attacks using PowerShell scripts.
2. Cmdlet runs in an environment and scripting language supported by Microsoft. It will dedicate resources to keep the language current, troubleshoot and answer questions.
3. There is a robust developer community that readily shares knowledge.
4. Cmdlets and system data stores use common, consistent syntax and naming conventions for easy data sharing.
5. The command-based navigation of the operating system is simplified, which lets users familiar with the file system navigate the registry and other data stores
6. Directly manipulate objects or send to other tools or databases.
7. Software vendors and developers can build custom tools.

Continuing Your PowerShell Journey

Learning PowerShell creates a host of opportunities for task automation, system management, and streamlining workflows. The tool can run simple commands, write scripts, or even perform advanced automation with its vast flexibility and efficiency capabilities, . As you continue your PowerShell journey, having the right tools can make a big difference.

If you’re looking for a way to monitor and optimize your applications effortlessly, Stackify offers powerful solutions for performance monitoring, error tracking, and log management—all in one easy-to-use platform. By combining PowerShell automation with Stackify’s insights, you can take your system and application management to the next level.

Additional Resources and Tutorials on Start-Process cmdlets

• Main Site (Windows)
• Glossary
• Installation (Microsoft)
• GitHub
• PowerShell.org
• subreddit
• Tutorial for Beginners
• Top 10 Tutorials on the Web
• Start one or more processes, optionally as a specific user

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