Add-Type is a Windows PowerShell command that allows users to create .NET classes and add them to the current session. This command is useful for creating custom types and objects that can be used in PowerShell scripts. It is also useful for adding additional functionality to existing types and objects. In this article, we will discuss the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips for using the Add-Type command.
Syntax of the Add-Type Command
The syntax of the Add-Type command is as follows:
Add-Type [-TypeDefinition] <String[]> [-Language <String>] [-PassThru] [-ReferencedAssemblies <String[]>] [-UsingNamespace <String[]>] [-Force] [-Name <String>] [-OutputAssembly <String>] [-WhatIf] [-Confirm] [<CommonParameters>]
Parameters of the Add-Type Command
The parameters of the Add-Type command are as follows:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -TypeDefinition | Specifies the .NET type definition. This parameter is required. |
| -Language | Specifies the language of the type definition. The default is C#. |
| -PassThru | Returns the type object that was created. |
| -ReferencedAssemblies | Specifies the assemblies that are referenced by the type definition. |
| -UsingNamespace | Specifies the namespaces that are used by the type definition. |
| -Force | Overwrites an existing type definition. |
| -Name | Specifies the name of the type. |
| -OutputAssembly | Specifies the path of the output assembly. |
| -WhatIf | Shows what would happen if the cmdlet runs. |
| -Confirm | Prompts you for confirmation before running the cmdlet. |
Inputs for the Add-Type Command
The inputs for the Add-Type command are as follows:
- Type definition
- Language
- Referenced assemblies
- Using namespaces
- Name
- Output assembly
Outputs of the Add-Type Command
The outputs of the Add-Type command are as follows:
- Type object
- Output assembly
Examples of the Add-Type Command
Here are some examples of the Add-Type command:
- To create a type definition for a custom type, use the following command:
Add-Type -TypeDefinition “public class MyType { public string MyProperty { get; set; } }”
- To create a type definition for a custom type with a specific name, use the following command:
Add-Type -TypeDefinition “public class MyType { public string MyProperty { get; set; } }” -Name MyTypeName
- To create a type definition for a custom type and output the assembly to a specific path, use the following command:
Add-Type -TypeDefinition “public class MyType { public string MyProperty { get; set; } }” -OutputAssembly C:\MyType.dll
Tips for Using the Add-Type Command
Here are some tips for using the Add-Type command:
- Make sure to specify the language of the type definition.
- Specify the referenced assemblies and using namespaces if necessary.
- If you want to overwrite an existing type definition, use the -Force parameter.
- If you want to output the assembly to a specific path, use the -OutputAssembly parameter.
- If you want to return the type object that was created, use the -PassThru parameter.
- Use the -WhatIf and -Confirm parameters to preview and confirm the changes before running the command.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Add-Type command is a useful Windows PowerShell command for creating custom types and objects. It has several parameters and inputs that allow users to customize the type definition and output assembly. By following the syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips outlined in this article, users can successfully use the Add-Type command to create custom types and objects in Windows PowerShell.