#11 : PowerGUI : A great tool!

-- Still writing this article, I would come up with full details about PowerGUI. The tool is really interesting and I may also include a video on it.

Sorry for making you wait.. Please wait for sometime...

Tool #4 : Powershell ISE with Powershell v4.0

Powershell ISE comes bundled with Powershell. The editor was useful in previous versions also, but version 4.0 comes with collapsing and expanding of functions and statement blocks. This is very important to have big functions collapsed as it avoids so much scrolling back and forth. Also, it makes script more readable if you are just reviewing someone's code. Syntax highlighting and Intellisense have already been there.

So, those who have not used it for some reasons. I would request them to give a try on this tool. If you do not see it in your newly installed Windows 2008 or 2012, you can try to add it from features.

Remarkable Features:

1. Intellisense feature
2. East of Debugging Code using Breakpoints
3. Collapsing and Expanding of blocks
4. Code and Output windows switching
5. Familiar shortcuts used in all Microsoft products such as F5 etc.

Below are some items which are missing in this version, hope Microsoft will add in future releases :
1. Script parameter passing is not possible.
2. There is no scope of writing GUI based tools.

If you find something interesting about this tool, please let me know.


 

#9 : Developing Powershell scripts with Notepad++

Not sure how many are using Notepad++ for developing Powershell, but I am using Notepad++ every time I develop. Being Powershell developer, it helps alot due to following reasons: 

1. Syntax highlighting : This is really easy and you can also edit the color code you want. You can download syntax highlighter or you can make your definition. These things are so easy. Just go to style configurator and set the color you want. 

2. Block Collapsing : The + sign to the left of function block or if statement makes code more and more manageable. ALT+1 and ALT+2 can be used for different levels collapse you want. 

3. Freeware : This tool is free and you don't have to convince your manager. Just request to download. You can also find portable version of Notepad++ also.

Please see the download location at - http://notepad-plus-plus.org/

#2 : ASE Admin Script Editor Review

Form Designing is rarely required in Powershell Programming. But, this is very effective to design form in Powershell and it enhances the usability of the script.
To design form, you can simply code yourself few of the lines.

Is there any tool from Micrsoft?
No. There is no tool provided from Microsoft which is not a new thing with Powershell. Powershell might be a first product which is mistrated like this by MS. I don't know why?
If they release some tool, it become difficult to use - Powershell ISE is one of such example. It has few things and many things missing. Especially I want Function or block collapsing tool. But this is missing in Powershell ISE. The editor is slow and display is not sharp. Who is the person who likes this blur font while developing something.

So, the option is Third-party tool. Third party tool are effective but expensive. But, we can take a demo to convince our manager.

ASE Admin Script Editor

Company: iTripoli
Evaluation: 45 days
Description:
This is a good Powershell editor with a Form Designer. It can be used for general Powershell programming and also for WMI, VBScript and other scripting language.
The form designer comes along with it. It can be found at - Tools > Script Form Designer. The window appears as Visaual Studio and everything is yours.
Once you are done with Form Designing- click File > Save to ASE or press Ctrl+E. I like the tool.
Cost:
Standard Edition $99.00 / Each
Professional Edition $199.00 / Each
Enterprise Edition $299.00 / Each

Powershell-Tips Rating: 3/5