The PowerShell Gallery is an online repository that hosts PowerShell modules, scripts, and DSC (Desired State Configuration) resources. It serves as a central hub for the community and developers to share and download PowerShell content. The PowerShell Gallery simplifies the process of discovering, installing, and updating modules and scripts, thereby extending the functionality of PowerShell.
- Key Features of PowerShell Gallery
1. **Central Repository**:
- Provides a centralized location for discovering, sharing, and downloading [[PowerShell]] modules, scripts, and DSC resources.
2. **Community Contributions**:
- Supports contributions from the [[PowerShell]] community, enabling users to share their scripts and modules with others.
3. **Search and Discover**:
- Offers a web-based interface and [[PowerShell]] cmdlets to search for modules and scripts by name, tag, author, and other criteria.
4. **Versioning**:
- Supports versioning, allowing users to install specific versions of modules or scripts and update them as new versions are released.
5. **Dependencies**:
- Manages dependencies between modules, ensuring that all required modules are installed when you install a new module.
6. **Trust and Security**:
- Provides details about the publisher of the modules and scripts, helping users trust the content they download. Users can also sign their scripts and modules for additional security.
- Using PowerShell Gallery
- Searching for Modules
You can search for modules directly from PowerShell using the `Find-Module` cmdlet: ```powershell Find-Module -Name PSReadline ``` This command searches for modules named PSReadline in the PowerShell Gallery.
- Installing Modules
To install a module from the PowerShell Gallery, use the `Install-Module` cmdlet: ```powershell Install-Module -Name PSReadline ``` This command installs the latest version of the PSReadline module.
- Updating Modules
To update an installed module to the latest version, use the `Update-Module` cmdlet: ```powershell Update-Module -Name PSReadline ```
- Publishing Modules
If you have created a module that you want to share with the community, you can publish it to the PowerShell Gallery using the `Publish-Module` cmdlet. Before publishing, you need to create an account and obtain an API key from the PowerShell Gallery.
Example of publishing a module: ```powershell Publish-Module -Name MyModule -NuGetApiKey 'YourApiKeyHere' ```
- Accessing PowerShell Gallery
- **Website**: You can browse and search the PowerShell Gallery at [PowerShellGallery.com](https://www.powershellgallery.com/). - **PowerShell Cmdlets**: Use cmdlets like `Find-Module`, `Install-Module`, `Update-Module`, and `Publish-Module` to interact with the PowerShell Gallery from within PowerShell.
- Example Workflow
1. **Search for a Module**:
```powershell Find-Module -Name AzureRM ```
2. **Install a Module**:
```powershell Install-Module -Name AzureRM ```
3. **Update a Module**:
```powershell Update-Module -Name AzureRM ```
4. **Publish a Module**:
```powershell Publish-Module -Name MyCustomModule -NuGetApiKey 'YourApiKeyHere' ```
The PowerShell Gallery is an invaluable resource for PowerShell users, providing access to a vast library of modules and scripts that enhance the capabilities of PowerShell. It fosters collaboration and sharing within the community, making it easier for users to find solutions and extend their PowerShell environment.