The PowerShell Scripting and Toolmaking Book

Build PowerShell Tools Like a Professional

PowerShell’s real power shows when you stop writing one-off commands and start creating reusable, testable tools. Don Jones and Jeff Hicks take that idea seriously in The PowerShell Scripting and Toolmaking Book, guiding readers from basic functions to full modules, controllers, and data-connected automation.

This isn’t an introductory tour of cmdlets. It’s a focused look at the craft of toolmaking: designing parameters, handling errors, emitting consistent output, and building solutions others can actually use. The authors bring years of practical experience and an opinionated, hands-on style that keeps the material concrete.

What You’ll Work Through

• Building basic functions and modules, then adding CmdletBinding and pipeline support
• Using verbose, warning, and informational output effectively
• Adding comment-based help and handling exceptions
• Debugging with Write-Debug, breakpoints, the PowerShell ISE, and VS Code
• Creating advanced parameter sets, dynamic parameters, and updatable help
• Testing tools, extending output types, and working with classes
• Publishing to the PowerShell Gallery and private repositories
• Designing controller scripts, WPF interfaces, and delegated administration with JEA
• Connecting PowerShell to SQL Server data and scenarios

The book is organized into four parts. Part 1 reviews the foundations of PowerShell toolmaking. Part 2 moves into professional-grade techniques, including deeper parameter handling, dynamic parameters, testing, and source control. Part 3 explores controller scripts and delegated administration, while Part 4 focuses on data connections.

A Hands-On, Readable Guide

Jones and Hicks don’t just describe features—they show how the pieces fit together. Examples build on each other, and the authors explain not only what works but why it matters. The tone is direct, occasionally playful, and always aimed at helping you become more productive with PowerShell.

Because this is the Forever Edition, the content has been kept current for modern PowerShell practice. The version date in the book is 2020, so you’re getting a mature, updated take on the subject.

Who This Book Helps

If you already know basic PowerShell and want to move beyond running commands, this book speaks directly to you. It’s especially useful for system administrators, IT pros, developers who need automation, and anyone responsible for building or maintaining PowerShell tools.

Start Building Smarter

Toolmaking is the difference between scripting that gets the job done and tooling that others can rely on. The PowerShell Scripting and Toolmaking Book gives you the mental models and practical techniques to make that leap.