Lately I had the chance to get a copy of the book: "Practical Automation with PowerShell". This is not a paid review just my honest thoughts about it, because after reading I am still impressed.
If you're looking to dive into the world of automation and want a comprehensive guide to get started, then "Practical Automation with PowerShell" by Matthew Dowst is a must-read.
What sets this book apart is its clear and structured approach, which caters to both beginners and advanced users. It targets a specific crowd who are interested in automation and delivers the concepts of larger enterprise-ready automation.
The book is divided into three parts, making it easy to cherry-pick specific topics or follow the chapters straight through. Most of the examples provided are for PowerShell Version 7.X, so no one is left behind if the person is automating on something else than a Windows PC.
The book goes beyond just providing code snippets and examples. It also delves into the mindset necessary to develop solutions alone or in a team. The author's background in the IT-Industry and working with companies focused on software development adds to the book's credibility.
One of the book's strengths is its diagrams and figures, which are not overloaded and convey the message in a clear and concise manner. The book covers efficiency and code quality, with the author providing valuable insights into best practices that he has used throughout his career.
The author's attention to detail shines through in the book, with code snippets and examples explained not only by code comments but also with arrows and short sentences. Additionally, the book covers the structuring of a project on a folder and file basis, handling sensitive data and inputs, and the latest state-of-the-art security standards.
The book also covers remoting in all its methods with pros and cons, data reading and storing, converting for exporting to other systems and services, and a big spoon of SQL. Furthermore, the author provides well-structured step-by-step guidance for cloud-based automation with all its capabilities.
Sharing scripts and whole projects with team members is another key aspect covered in the book, providing different ways to optimize it for your own company. One of the last sections of the book covers the important topic of testing/unit testing, with the author referring to the great Pester-Framework and providing readers with a basic understanding of how unit testing with Pester works.
Overall, "Practical Automation with PowerShell" is an excellent book that covers all aspects of automation, providing readers with valuable insights, best practices, and step-by-step guidance. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in automation.