Format Data in PowerShell
In this lab, you’ll practice formatting data with PowerShell. When you’re finished, you’ll know how to use PowerShell to get data in the format you need, and use "out" cmdlets to render output.
Terms and conditions apply.
Challenge
Getting Started in the Lab Environment
Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. How fun!
Challenge
Prepare the Lab Environment
You will spend a couple of minutes getting the PowerShell console ready for the remaining challenges in the lab.
Challenge
Explore PowerShell's Formatting System
You will explore default rules PowerShell uses to decide how to format data when you run cmdlets.
Challenge
Work With Format-Table
You will use the Format-Table cmdlet to force PowerShell to format output in a table. You will explore additional parameters of Format-Table to change the formatting behavior.
Challenge
Work With Format-List
You will use the Format-List cmdlet to force PowerShell to format output as a list. You will explore additional parameters of Format-List to change the formatting behavior.
Challenge
Work With Format-Wide
You will use the Format-Wide cmdlet to force PowerShell to format output as a wide table.
Challenge
Use Formatting Views
You will explore the built-in views for a specific data type in PowerShell. Then, you will use one of the default views to manipulate the output of PowerShell cmdlets.
Challenge
Work With Out-File
You will use the Out-File cmdlet to export data from PowerShell out to an external text file.
Challenge
Work With Out-String
You will use the Out-String cmdlet to convert PowerShell object data to strings.
Challenge
Work With Out-Null
You will, once done this challenge, understand scenarios where using Out-Null can be beneficial, and will also learn to be cautious with this cmdlet.
Challenge
Work With Out-GridView
You will know how to pass data to Out-GridView, and use the external window controlled by Out-GridView to interact with that data that has been output.
Challenge
The Last Challenge
Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you.
Provided environment for hands-on practice
We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.
Guided walkthrough
Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!
Did you know?
On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
Recommended prerequisites
- PowerShell language familiarity
- Running and piping cmdlets
- Understanding of what PowerShell objects are
- Knowledge of parameters and how to use them
- How the PowerShell help system works