| name | powershell-windows |
| description | PowerShell Windows patterns. Critical pitfalls, operator syntax, error handling. |
| when_to_use | When working on Windows systems, writing PowerShell scripts, or using Windows-specific commands. NOT for macOS/Linux. |
PowerShell Windows Patterns
Critical patterns and pitfalls for Windows PowerShell.
1. Operator Syntax Rules
CRITICAL: Parentheses Required
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct |
|---|
if (Test-Path "a" -or Test-Path "b") | if ((Test-Path "a") -or (Test-Path "b")) |
if (Get-Item $x -and $y -eq 5) | if ((Get-Item $x) -and ($y -eq 5)) |
Rule: Each cmdlet call MUST be in parentheses when using logical operators.
2. Unicode/Emoji Restriction
CRITICAL: No Unicode in Scripts
| Purpose | ❌ Don't Use | ✅ Use |
|---|
| Success | ✅ ✓ | [OK] [+] |
| Error | ❌ ✗ 🔴 | [!] [X] |
| Warning | ⚠️ 🟡 | [*] [WARN] |
| Info | ℹ️ 🔵 | [i] [INFO] |
| Progress | ⏳ | [...] |
Rule: Use ASCII characters only in PowerShell scripts.