Running Commands
Updated: August 9, 2012
Applies To: Windows PowerShell 2.0, Windows PowerShell 3.0
Windows PowerShell provides a complete interactive environment. When you type a command or expression at the Windows PowerShell command prompt, the command or expression is processed immediately and the output is returned to the prompt.
This is true for all command types, including cmdlets, aliases, functions, CIM commands, workflows, and executable files.
You can also send the output of a command to a file or printer, or you can use the pipeline operator (|) to send the output to another command.
For example, when you type a command, such a command that uses the Get-Command cmdlet, the command runs immediately and the output is returned to the command prompt.
PS C:\>Get-Command
Cmdlet Add-BitsFile BitsTransfer
Cmdlet Add-Computer Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
Cmdlet Add-Content Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
Cmdlet Add-History Microsoft.PowerShell.Core
Cmdlet Add-JobTrigger PSScheduledJob
Cmdlet Add-Member Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
Cmdlet Add-PSSnapin Microsoft.PowerShell.Core
Cmdlet Add-PsSpecCmdletParameter PsSpecCmdlets
Cmdlet Add-PsSpecCmdletParameterSetEntry PsSpecCmdlets
Cmdlet Add-PsSpecUserPermission PsSpecCmdlets
Cmdlet Add-Type Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility
Cmdlet Checkpoint-Computer Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
Cmdlet Clear-Content Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
Cmdlet Clear-EventLog Microsoft.PowerShell.Management
You can also type an expression, such as an arithmetic expression that uses Windows PowerShell built-in converters. Again, the experience is interactive. The expression is processed immediately and the results are returned at the command prompt.
PS C:\> 7GB / 1028KB
7140.10894941634