Category: CentOS

PowerShell Core – Working with Persistent Disk Storage in Docker Containers

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This quick blog post will hope to give you a heads up in how to work with container(s) disk data. It’s a known fact that container(s) storing data will not persist if the container is removed. Yes! If you build a container to store your data, it will be gone.

Containers are perfectly suited for testing, meant to fast deployment of a solution, and can be easily deployed to the cloud. It’s cost effective!

Very important to understand! Containers disk data only exist while the container is running. If the container is removed, that data is gone.

So, you got to find the way to properly configure your container environment to make the data persist on disk.

Persisting Data

There are *two quick way to persist data when working with container(s):

1. Create a docker volume.
2. Or, use a local machine folder area.

*Note: There are other solution to help with persisting data for containers, but this a good starting point.

I’m using the docker command line for now. Later, I will be creating some blog post about using Docker Compose and Kubernetes.

I love to use PowerShell Core with Docker command line!

Docker Create Volume

Using docker command “docker volume create <nameofvolume>” will create the volume to help persist data on your local machine.

docker volume create MyLinuxData

Use the following docker commands to check your newly created volume:

* To list all existing docker volume(s):

docker volume ls

* To check “inspect” a docker volume(s) to provide detail information:

docker volume inspect MyLinuxData

Using the “docker volume inspect <VolumeName>.” command line, it will show the volume mount location:

“Mountpoint”: “/var/lib/docker/volumes/MyLinuxData/_data”,

In this case, the mount location is on the Linux box under the Docker Volumes folder. This means all data can persist on you local machine.

Local Machine Folder

This option seems straight forward as there’s no need to create a Docker Volume. Just use the ‘-v’ switch in the Docker Run command line.

In the following command line I’m activating the Docker container with previously configured Microsoft SQL Server instance. I include the ‘-v’ switch to mount a folder on my local machine.

docker run -p 1455:1455 -v /home/maxt/TempSQLBackups:/home/TempSQLBackups --name sql2k19ctp23_v02 -d sql2k19_ctp2.3_sandbox:CTP2.3-Version02

Notice in this case, to verify that my SQL Server container has mount to my the local machine folder, I can execute the following command:

docker exec -i sql2k19ctp23_v02 ls /home/TempSQLBackups

Using “docker exec -i <containerid/name> ls <containerfolderlocation” will display the results of all the files back to the screen. Now, anything you add to that local folder will be accessible to the container.

Summary

This is a good starting point when learning how to work with Docker data in containers. You’ll still go thru trails-and-errors while learning how to build container images, and make data persist for your application. But, it’s much faster and easier to rebuild images. This is one of a most to learn technology.

References

Check out the following blog post as it help me understand about “Persistent Storage”:

Getting the latest Tools for PowerShell SQL Server Automation

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You all know how important is to have the tool that can make our life easy do our system administration, and become a hero in our organization. Here’s a startup helper guide to get you going with some PowerShell and SQL Server tools.

What is available for automation!

For script automation we could install either or both version of PowerShell Core: (As of February 19th, 2019)

Here are some important PowerShell Modules to use for SQL Server management scripting:

  • *SQLServer – This module currently can be use on SQL Server 2017 and greater.
  • *DBATools – This a community supported module that will work with SQL Server 2000 and greater.
  • DBAReports – Supports for Windows SQL Server.
  • DBCheck – Support for Windows SQL Server.

*Note: This module is coming popular in cross-platform systems (non-Windows)

All of the above module can be downloaded from the PowerShell Gallery from the PowerShell console using the Install-Module cmdlet.

Install-Module -Name SQLServer -Force -AllowClobber;

Now, when working with older versions of SQL Server (2008->2017), you will find the SQLPS module is loaded during the SQL Server installation.

Just remember, since SQL Server 2017, Microsoft has change the PowerShell SQLPS module to SQLServer module downloadable from the PowerShell Gallery. This module is not available in PowerShell Gallery, only available during the SQL Server installation.

When PowerShell SQL Server Module can’t provide a script?

It won’t hurt to install the SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) library in case you want to be creative and start building your own SQL PowerShell scripts. This library is already available cross-platform, meaning that it will work in Windows, Linux and MacOS environments.

In this case, you can install the SQL Server SMO library “Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlManagementObjects” from the PowerShell Console using the Install-Package cmdlet.

Install-Package -Name Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlManagementObjects -AllowPrereleaseVersions;

Wait! There is more

As you already know, to manage SQL Server in Windows environment, we use the SQL Server Management Studio. But, this
application won’t work cross-platform.

So, the cross-platform option available is Azure Data Studio (February edition):

Don’t forget to include for following extensions:

What about Python?

By now you should already know that Python has been around for many year as cross-platform interpreted object-oriented high-level language. And, its popularity keeps increasing.

I would recommend to take a look at the Anaconda Distribution, and specifically the one with the latest version of Python (v3.7).

Download Anaconda for data science platform:

This installation will include *All* Python packages available to build an application.

And, Python can interact with PowerShell too!

Ah finally Containers!

Yes! Containers has become popular and can’t be ignored. It can be use in both Windows, Linux and any cloud environments. Go ahead to learn how to work and manage Docker containers.

Docker site to Download the Docker CE.

Don’t forget to check Docker Hub to find the latest Docker Container images available for download. And, you will need to create an account before downloading images.  The image below shows how-to search for the SQL Server image.

In Summary

As technology will keep improving, make sure stay up-to-date. This give us the opportunity to improve our job position and be of value for the organization that hire us.

Don’t forget to look for the nearest technology event in your areas, as this is the opportunity to learn for free and gain invaluable knowledge.

Checking for PowerShell Core latest version in non-Windows Systems

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I’m not sure who don’t get desperate to get the latest version of PowerShell Core when it becomes available. I do!
Sometimes I’m lucky enough to check Github PowerShell repository to find out it has been recently out.

But, this doesn’t means that is available in any of the other repositories! And, it may take a few more hours after it’s released. So, what would you do?

Repository Availability

Let’s take a look at how to check for PowerShell latest version on different non-Windows Systems.

Ubuntu:
apt-cache policy powershell #-> Or, powershell-preview

CentOS:
yum list powershell #-> Or, powershell-preview

MacOS:
## - Display installed current information.
brew cask info powershell

## - Seems when is current it will not display anything.
brew cask list powershell

## - Intended to show if app is outdated:
brew cask outdated powershell

MacOS Home Brew always takes longer for the new release to be available.

Get It Now!

So, if PowerShell Core isn’t available in the package repository, with a few steps you can download and install PowerShell. But, the first thing I do is to remove it before installing.

Ubuntu

## - When PowerShell Core isn't available in their repository: (download and execute install)
cd Downloads
wget https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell/releases/download/v6.1.1/powershell_6.1.1-1.ubuntu.18.04_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i powershell_6.1.1-1.ubuntu.18.04_amd64.deb

## - When available in Apt/Apt-Get repository:
sudo apt install -y powershell #-> Or, powershell-preview

CentOS

## - When PowerShell Core isn't available in their repository: (download and execute install)
## - Before removing PowerShell - use Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet.
pwsh
invoke-webrequest https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell/releases/download/v6.1.1/powershell-6.1.1-1.rhel.7.x86_64.rpm
sudo yum install powershell-6.1.0-1.rhel.7.x86_64.rpm

## - When available in Yum repository:
sudo yum install powershell #-> or, powershell-preview

MacOS

## - When PowerShell Core isn't available in their repository: (download and execute install)
## - Before removing PowerShell - use Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet.
pwsh
invoke-webrequest https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell/releases/download/v6.1.1/powershell-6.1.1-osx-x64.pkg
sudo installer -pkg powershell-6.1.0-osx-x64.pkg -target /

## - When available in Home Brew repository:
brew cask install powershell #-> Or, powershell-preview

Make sure, when in doubt, to check the package management documentation for any of the non-Windows Systems.

Currently Available

As of now, at the time of writing this blog post, the following PowerShell Core versions are available:

  • PowerShell Core (GA) Version 6.1.1 – Release on 11/13/2018
  • PowerShell Core Preview Version 6.2.0-preview.2 – Release on 11/15/2018 (Updated)

More Information

Don’t forget to check the installation instruction for PowerShell Core installation in Github at this link.

Go ahead and give it a try!

Custom PowerShell function to remove Azure Module

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As you probably know by now, “Azure RM” modules has been renamed to “Az” Module. Microsoft want you to start using this module moving forward. Currently, this new release is on version 0.5.0, and you’ll need to remove the any previous module(s) installed. Information about Azure PowerShell can be found on the following link.

Now, there’s always been a tedious task when manually removing module dependencies, and there’s no exception with the “Az” module.  So, we can all take advantage to PowerShell and create a script to work around this limitation.

And, below is a few options.

My Custom Function

I have realized that sometimes I got duplicate modules installed with different versions installed, and this can create some confusion. My solution was to create a custom PowerShell function “Remove-AzureModule” to remove all existing Azure modules.

function Remove-AzureModule {
[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess)]
param ()

$Modules = Get-Module -ListAvailable Az* `
| Select-Object -unique Name, Version;

$cnt = 1;
ForEach ($Module in $Modules)
{
if ($PSCmdlet.ShouldProcess($Module.name, 'Uninstall'))
{
Write-Host "[$cnt] - Removing module: $($Module.Name) - Version: $($Module.Version)." -ForegroundColor Yellow;
Uninstall-Module -Name $Module.Name -AllVersions -Force;
$cnt++;
};
};
};

## - Run using the -What If parameter:
Remove-AzureModule -What If

## - Execute to remove Azure modules:
Remove-AzureModule

The purpose of this function to do a full cleanup removing all installed versions of Azure modules from PowerShell.   This function includes a the “-WhatIf” parameter that can be use to run the function without actually performing the “uninstall” process. And, I added a counter for each module when performing the “uninstall” for each of the dependency module.

Then, you can always use the following “Get-Module” command to verify that all modules has been removed.

Get-Module -Listavailable Az* | Select-Object Name, Version

Azure Docs – Uninstall modules with dependencies

Now, while writing this quick blog post, I found in the Microsoft documentation there’s a “Uninstall the Azure PowerShell Module” section. This article provide the “Uninstall-AllModules” function which is a a generic way to remove any previously installed module with dependencies.

Below, is the modified version of the Microsoft function. I added the code to allow the use of the “-What If” parameter, and to do a count of the modules been removed. I think these are a nice to have changes.

## - Uninstall-AllModules from the Microsoft Docs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/azure/uninstall-azurerm-ps?view=azurermps-6.12.0#uninstall-from-powershell
## - Modified to include the "-WhatIf" parameter and a module counter.

function Uninstall-AllModules
{
[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess)]
param (
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true)]
[string]
$TargetModule,
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true)]
[string]
$Version,
[switch]
$Force
)

$AllModules = @()

'Creating list of dependencies...'
$target = Find-Module $TargetModule -RequiredVersion $version
$target.Dependencies | ForEach-Object {
$AllModules += New-Object -TypeName psobject -Property @{ name = $_.name; version = $_.minimumVersion }
}
$AllModules += New-Object -TypeName psobject -Property @{ name = $TargetModule; version = $Version }

$cnt = 1;
foreach ($module in $AllModules)
{
Write-Host ("[$cnt] - " + 'Uninstalling {0} version {1}' -f $module.name, $module.version);
$cnt++;
try
{
if ($PSCmdlet.ShouldProcess($module.name, 'Uninstall'))
{
Uninstall-Module -Name $module.name -RequiredVersion $module.version -Force:$Force -ErrorAction Stop;
};
}
catch
{
Write-Host ("`t" + $_.Exception.Message)
}
}
};

## - Example using -WhatIf parameter:
Uninstall-AllModules -TargetModule Az -Version 0.3.0 -Force -WhatIf

## - Example to remove module with dependencies:
Uninstall-AllModules -TargetModule Az -Version 0.3.0 -Force

Unfortunately, this solution will work as long as all dependencies modules has the same version.  So, a little work still need to be done!

Feel free to test the code in both Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core.

Another way to Manage PowerShell Modules

Take a look at SAPIEN Technologies new product “Module Manager“. You’ll be surprise what you can find installed in your system. This GUI application let you manage modules installed in your system making it easy to update, disable/enable, and install/uninstall modules.

For more Module Manager Preview information check on the following SAPIEN Technologies link.

Recap

As you can see, PowerShell can provide the means to workaround issues you’ll experience in a simple way. At the same time there are both community and Microsoft documentation available that will provide assistance.

Finally, check out third-party products, like the ones from SAPIEN Technologies that are available to increase your productivity in many ways. For more information check on the following SAPIEN Technologies products link.

PowerShell Core 6.1.0 GA (Generally Available) for Anything Anywhere

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Any System, Anywhere

Finally the next PowerShell Core GA (Generally Available) at: PowerShell Core 6.1.0. Thanks to the strong effort of both the Microsoft Team and the PowerShell Community has help reach this milestone achievement with the next generation of PowerShell.

 

Announcing PowerShell Core 6.1

Check Jeffrey Snover (Inventor of PowerShell) at MS Ignite 2018 comments about PowerShell (theCube-video)

PowerShell Core will continue to grow providing new features and performance improvements. This version is fully supported.

Anyone can join and contribute at the Microsoft PowerShell Team – Monthly PowerShell Community Call every third Thursday of the month.

To download and install PowerShell Core, go to their Github Repository.

Install Anywhere

Instructions on how to installed it are also available under Microsoft Documentation for both Windows and non-Window systems: MacOS, Ubuntu, Red Hat, CentOS, Fedora, and others Linux distributions.

For more information about installing PowerShell Core, check it out on Microsoft Doc site

For now, this next generation of PowerShell, Windows PowerShell Snap-ins are no longer supported, and the Out-Gridview cmdlet won’t work.

Reporting Issues

Any PowerShell Core feedback should be submitted to its Github repository. And, any Windows PowerShell issues need to be submitted to the UserVoice forum.

Check the Github PowerShell Core landing page, under the “Windows PowerShell vs PowerShell Core” section.

Modules Availability

Only in Windows Systems, Windows PowerShell modules are also available for PowerShell Core. This means that you can open PowerShell Core console and use the existing Microsoft Windows PowerShell modules.

Now, there’s no excuses for not to try using PowerShell Core in Windows Systems.

In the PowerShell Core console, just execute the following command line to list all modules listed in Windows:

Get-Module -ListAvailable

You’ll notice there’s a new column “PSEdition”, which identifies for which version of PowerShell the module will work:
1. Core – for PowerShell Core any system, any where.
2. Desk – for Windows PowerShell.
3. Core\Desk – for PowerShell Core and Windows.

PowerShell Modules location are listed:

1. Users Modules: C:\Users\max_t\Documents\PowerShell\Modules or C:\Users\max_t\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\Modules
2. General Modules for PowerShell Core: C:\Program Files\PowerShell\Modules or C:\program files\powershell\6\Modules
3. General use Modules for Windows PowerShell: C:\WINDOWS\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\Modules

Things are changing quickly in the PowerShell Gallery, which was recently update. Any PowerShell Module author has the responsibility to make the necessary update to their modules. Notice that some PowerShell Core modules are still labeled “Desk” when in fact should be both “Core\Desk”, like the “SQLServer” module.

Just make sure to check the module information for which version of PowerShell the module was created for.

Azure Cloud Shell GA (Generally Available)

Yes! Microsoft Cloud Shell has been updated to have PowerShell Core 6.1.0 GA, and is on Linux.

  

This shows the commitment of having cloud reliable solutions running anywhere on any systems.

  • User either Bash or PowerShell in Linux
  • Drag/Drop files into the Browser session
  • AzureRM Module already installed and updated to latest version
  • AzureRM Modules build on .Net Core

In summary

  • PowerShell Core is the next iteration of PowerShell built using .NET Core
  • Run self-contained, side-by-side in Windows systems with Windows PowerShell
  • Cross-platform availability for managing Anything, Anywhere.
  • Microsoft Open Source and Community-support
  • Azure Cloud support

MS Ignite 2018 – PowerShell Videos

Here’s just a couple of interesting videos from the Microsoft Ignite 2018 event in Orlando about PowerShell Core:

Go ahead and try PowerShell Core 6.1 GA! Embrace the change!

PSCore6 – Creating a Hybrid Cross-platform SQLServer Script

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There’s some discussion around scripting on using Windows PowerShell vs PowerShell Core. So, just pick one? No.
Just think about supporting a cross-platform environment. Use both!

Following my recent post on “PSCore6 – SQLServer Module Expanding The Barrier Cross-Platform“, here’s a sample Hybrid-Script for cross-platform use.

Why not!

We all know the next generation (or evolution) of PowerShell is PowerShell Core. That’s it!
You are still using PowerShell, and Windows PowerShell is not going to be dropped nor removed any time soon.

So, why not start working towards, what I call, “Hybrid-scripting”? Powershell Core provides the necessary elements to help with cross-platform scripting.

In it’s basic code form, could look be something like this:

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

## – Logic Structure for executing either PowerShell Version:

## – Use Set-StrictMode for debug purpose:
Set-StrictMode -Version 5.1

If ($PSversionTable.PSEdition -eq "Desktop") {
"Windows PowerShell"
}
else {
## – Use Set-StrictMode for debug purpose:
Set-StrictMode -Version 6.1

if ($PSVersionTable.PSEdition -eq "Core") {
If ($IsWindows) {
"WindowsCore"
}
If ($IsLinux) {
"LinuxCore"
}
If ($isMacOS) {
"MacOSCore"
}
}
};

[/sourcecode]

Now, let’s apply this code to a practical sample.

Sample Hybrid-Script

In the following sample script, includes Help information, begin-process-end and with try-catch code structure.
At the same time, the script will output the exception to the screen console with the failed line.

Script function name: Get-DBASQLInformation

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]
Function Get-DBASQLInformation {</pre>
<#
.SYNOPSIS
This is a cross-platform function to Get SQL Server Information.

.DESCRIPTION
This is a cross-platform function to Get SQL Server Information using SQL Authentication.

.PARAMETER UserID
Enter SQL Authentication UserID parameter.

.PARAMETER Password
Enter SQL Authentication Password parameter.

.PARAMETER SQLServerInstance
Enter SQLServerInstance name parameter.

.EXAMPLE
PS> Get-DBASQLInformation -UserID ‘sa’ -Password ‘$SqlPwd01!’ -SQLServerInstance ‘mercury,1433’

.NOTES
===========================================================================
Created with: SAPIEN Technologies, Inc., PowerShell Studio 2018 v5.5.152
Created on: 5/25/2018 8:27 AM
Created by: Maximo Trinidad
Organization: SAPIEN Technologies, Inc.
Filename: Function_Get-DBASQLInformation.ps1
===========================================================================
#>
<pre>[CmdletBinding()]
[OutputType([psobject])]
param
(
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
Position = 0)]
[string]
$UserID,
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
Position = 1)]
[string]
$Password,
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
Position = 2)]
[string]
$SQLServerInstance
)

BEGIN {

## – Internal function:
function GetSqlInfo {
param
(
[parameter(Mandatory = $true, Position = 0)]
[string]
$U,
[parameter(Mandatory = $true, Position = 1)]
[string]
$P,
[parameter(Mandatory = $true, Position = 2)]
[string]
$S
)
Try {
## – Prepare connection passing credentials to SQL Server:
$SQLSrvConn = New-Object Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Common.SqlConnectionInfo($S, $U, $P);
$SQLSrvObj = new-object Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server($SQLSrvConn);

## – SMO Get SQL Server Info:
$SQLSrvObj.Information `
| Select-Object parent, platform, product, productlevel, `
OSVersion, Edition, version, HostPlatform, HostDistribution `
| Format-List;

}
catch {
## – Write Exception to Console:
Write-Host `
"Excepion found on line:`r`n$($error[0].InvocationInfo.line)"+ `
"`r`n$($Error[0].Exception)" `
-ForegroundColor Magenta;

}
}

};

PROCESS {

## – Cross-platform logic:
If ($PSversionTable.PSEdition -eq "Desktop") {
Write-Host "Windows PowerShell"
GetSqlInfo -U $UserID -P $Password -S $SQLServerInstance;
}
else {

if ($PSVersionTable.PSEdition -eq "Core") {
If ($IsWindows) {
Write-Host "Windows PScore";
}
If ($IsLinux) {
Write-Host "Linux PSCore";
}
If ($isMacOS) {
Write-Host "MacOS PSCore";
}
## – execute on non-Windows:
GetSqlInfo -U $UserID -P $Password -S $SQLServerInstance;
}
};

};

END {
## – EndBlock (Optional)
};
};

[/sourcecode]

The heart of the code are stored in the “Begin” section as a Internal-Function GetSQLInfo(). The internal-function will be only executed if it the criteria for each of the different platforms. The Try-Catch is just to trap the error if the SMO connection failed, or to indicate the SMO .NET wasn’t loaded.

Go ahead! Create a script file, copy/paste this code, and load this function. Give it a try cross-platforms: Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

Remember, SQLServer module is a replacement for SQLPS module. I won’t recommend having both modules installed unless you use the namespace_module/cmdlet to identify which module is going to execute the cmdlet.

So make sure to always test your scripts.

What’s Next!

This function still need to worked on, but is functional enough to test-drive and see the results. So, it be modified to support Windows Authentication. Once you start scripting and building functions, you won’t stop thinking what else can be added.

Just keep working on it and learning from the PowerShell Community.

Go Bold! Learn PowerShell Core!

PSCore6 – SQLServer Module Expanding The Barrier Cross-Platform

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If you haven’t heard yet! The SQLServer Module is available for Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Yes!
And, with it,now you can even expand your scripting using .NET SQL Server Management Objects to manage your SQL Server Engine cross-platform.

How to get it!

It’s available in PowerShell Galley. Just run the following command to install the module in Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core.
Yes, you read it! Install in PowerShell Core for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

Install-Module -Name SQLServer -Force -Scope AllUsers

[/sourcecode]

What’s in it?

Contains all of the SQL Server Management Objects .NET assemblies that will work in both Windows and non-Windows Systems. At the same time, it contains a total of 63 commands. This will support all existing SQL Server 2017(and older) on your network. Of course, there will be some limitations because there might be some features lacking in older features. But, for most use it will work.

It also includes the ability to provision the SQLSERVER: drive when you import the module.

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

Import-Module SQLServer

Get-PSDrive

[/sourcecode]

If you care for what SMO .NET Assemblies are installed, execute the following commands:

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

## – Get the SQLServer Module path:
(Get-MOdule -ListAvailable SQLServer).path

## – List of all SQLServer and Analysis Services DLL’s:
dir ‘C:\Program Files\PowerShell\Modules\SqlServer\21.0.17262\*.dll’ `
| Where-Object{$_.basename -match ‘SqlServer|Analysis’} `
| Format-Wide;

## Linux CentOS – Total of SQLServer and Analysis Services DLL’s:
(Get-ChildItem ‘/usr/local/share/powershell/Modules/SqlServer/21.0.17262/*.dll’ `
| Where-Object{ $_.basename -match ‘SqlServer|Analysis’ }).count

[/sourcecode]

Using the SQLServer: Drive

Although, I’m not a fan of using SQLServer: drive. This will allow you to navigate thru the SQL Engine like a file system from the console prompt.

In order to use the drive, it need to be recreated with the proper credentials for cross-platform use.
Below steps will create additional SQLServer: drives to another SQLServer on the *network.

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]
###==>For Windows, Linux, MacOS
Import-Module SqlServer

## – New way for Streamlining Get-Credential:
$MyUserName = ‘sa’; $MyPassword = ConvertTo-SecureString ‘$SqlPwd01!’ -asplaintext -force;
$MyCred = [System.Management.Automation.PSCredential]::new($MyUserName, $MyPassword)

## – Creating SQLSERVER: connection to Windows SQLServer:
New-PSDrive -PSProvider sqlserver -root “SQLSERVER:\SQL\sapien01,1451\default” -name MyWindowsSQL -Credential $mycred

## – List all SQLSERVER: Drives:
Get-PSDrive *SQL* | Select-Object Name, Provider, Root;

[/sourcecode]

 

Note: In this example, I’m using SQL Authentication.

Now, I can navigate thru my SQLServer objects like a filesystem.

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

## – Change directory to SQLSERVER: drive:
cd MyWindowsSQL:/databases/sampledb1/tables
dir

[/sourcecode]

Wait! Did you notice I’ve created a SQLServer Drive in MacOS? This is Awesome!
By the way, there’s no Docker involved in here. The fun doesn’t stop here!

What about using SMO scripting?

If anyone have been following me recently, everytime I’ve created the SMO script, I always have to load the assemblies before I can connect to the SQLServer.

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

## – When using the ‘Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlManagementObjects’package installed from Nuget
## – Help find and save the location of the SMO dll’s in a PowerShell variable: ver.14.17224
$smopath = Join-Path ((Get-Package Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlManagementObjects).Source `
| Split-Path) (Join-Path lib netstandard2.0);

# Add types to load SMO Assemblies only:
Add-Type -Path (Join-Path $smopath Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo.dll);
Add-Type -Path (Join-Path $smopath Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo.dll);

[/sourcecode]

The above code is not needed if the SQLServer module had been previously imported.
This way you will code less.

Here’s a small SMO script example for getting SQLServer information using SQL Authentication:

[sourcecode language=”powershell”]

## SMO with Import-Module SQLServer
Import-Module SQLServer

## – Prepare connection strings and connect to SQL Server
$SQLServerInstanceName = ‘mercury,1433’;
$SQLUserName = ‘sa’; $sqlPwd = ‘$SqlPwd01!’;

## – Prepare connection to SQL Server:
$SQLSrvConn = new-object Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Common.SqlConnectionInfo($SQLServerInstanceName, $SQLUserName, $SqlPwd);
$SQLSrvObj = new-object Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server($SQLSrvConn);

## – SMO Get SQL Server Info:
$SQLSrvObj.Information `
| Select-Object parent, platform, product, productlevel, `
OSVersion, Edition, version, HostPlatform, HostDistribution `
| Format-List;

[/sourcecode]

As you can see, there’s no reason why not try and experiment using PowerShell Core with SQL Server.  Next blog post I’ll be creating this script code in the hybrid-script function that can be executed cross-platform. I mean, on any PowerShell version too.

What’s in the future!

Now that PowerShell SQLServer Module is available cross-platform, I will see others Community SQL modules (DBATools, DBAReports) making their way to PowerShell Core. Of course, it will take some before it becomes available!

In the meantime, you can use SMO to build your own PowerShell SQL Scripts. Why not! Go and Expand your horizon!!

Be Bold! Learn PowerShell Core!