Question

Say you were mainly a C-syntax like programmer and Linux systems administrator, and you were tasked with creating some simple automation tasks on Windows (monitoring of back-up files, process monitoring, …). Which language would you prefer to write your scripts in? There’s a large collection of VBS-scripts out there (using VB syntax), but I’d prefer anything more C-related.

What are your best experiences in using scripts for Windows? Any obvious down- or upside to a certain language?

Answer 1

I would use Powershell.

• It has a vaguely C-like syntaxt.
• It has an integrated shell.
• The newest version (currently in CTP) includes a builtin IDE (Although it is limited compared to other 3rd party ones).
• It has easy access to something like 90% of the functionality in the .Net framework.
• Going forward, MS products will explicitly provide Powershell integration.
• It supports pipes.