Table of Contents

1. Challenge

   Getting Started in the Lab Environment

   Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. How fun!

2. Challenge

   Create a Function Skeleton with CmdletBinding

   You will begin by constructing the foundational elements of a PowerShell function aimed at a fictional scenario around system optimization. Named Optimize-LocalSystem, this function will begin as a basic structure. You'll particularly focus on the CmdletBinding attribute, a key element that enables advanced features like WhatIf and Confirm. By the end of this short challenge, you'll have a skeletal framework for your Optimize-LocalSystem function, and an understanding of why CmdletBinding is crucial for advanced functionalities in PowerShell functions.

3. Challenge

   Add the First Parameter

   You'll continue to build upon the Optimize-LocalSystem function. Your objective is to make the function more versatile by adding the ability to perform different operations: either checking for system updates or cleaning temporary files.

4. Challenge

   Add WhatIf and Confirm Support

   In this challenge, you'll focus on adding support for WhatIf and Confirm, specifically for the CleanTempFiles operation. This is important because deleting files is a sensitive task that could benefit from additional user confirmation, or even a "dry run" to simulate the outcome.

5. Challenge

   Implement Parameter Validation

   Dive into parameter validation in PowerShell functions for reliability. You will begin with the [ValidateSet] attribute to limit inputs, make crucial parameters mandatory, and explore dynamic parameters appearing under specific conditions. By the end, you'll enhance function resilience and effectiveness.

6. Challenge

   Add Error Handling

   When your script fails silently due to non-terminating errors, it threatens reliability. This challenge teaches you to detect and address these errors, enhancing script robustness and trust.

7. Challenge

   Implement Parameter Sets

   Enhance your PowerShell function to run operations when given input manually, and when given a CSV file as input, with one command. This challenge makes your function more versatile and efficient.

8. Challenge

   Add Pipeline Support

   The challenge refines Optimize-LocalSystem to support pipeline input. It emphasizes the begin, process, and end blocks for efficient pipeline handling. Furthermore, the Operation parameter accepts pipeline input by name, optimizing batch operations in PowerShell.

9. Challenge

   Write Help Content

   Your Optimize-LocalSystem function is pretty robust, but could it be "user-friendlier"? That's where comment-based help comes in. By the end of this challenge, users will be able to type Get-Help Optimize-LocalSystem and get all the details they need to use your function like a pro.

10. Challenge

    Manage Output

    In the IT realm, predictability is a virtue. Imagine scripting functions that don't just end at producing results, but those results are intuitive, structured, and empower further actions. You will use the OutputType attribute, which will ensure your function only returns what’s necessary.