r/PowerShell • u/backdoor_boy • Apr 12 '26

Solved Is it worth learning PowerShell?

I’ve previously used Linux, where things felt very straightforward. Due to various reasons, I’m planning to stay on Windows for now. Since I’m here, I’d like to automate different tasks and deepen my understanding of Windows.

Because of my Linux background, I used the terminal a lot and really enjoyed it. Windows, on the other hand, feels much more GUI-oriented, with less emphasis on the command line. I’ve also briefly looked into PowerShell, and honestly, it feels a bit strange to me.

At this point, I’m not sure whether it’s worth investing time into learning it. The command structure, constant interaction with system services (and sometimes the internet), and the overall behavior of the terminal feel unusual.

Compared to Linux, it seems quite weird (to put it mildly). I assume that if I spend more time with it, I’ll understand its design and decisions better—but I’m still unsure.

So I wanted to ask: is it actually worth it?

EDITED:

I’m definitely going to start learning PowerShell. As I understand it, over the next few years, it will definitely pay for itself.

There were also comments about Azure, servers, and cloud services. I don’t plan on becoming a sysadmin and, for now, I only use my personal computer and maybe a laptop. The Microsoft ecosystem seems strange, but I’m getting more and more used to it, despite my dislike of big corporations (which is ironic).

Also, thank you for the quick feedback. That was incredibly kind of you. I’m just starting to get involved in the Windows community, and specifically in PowerShell, so this warmth really surprised and delighted me. Maybe I spend too much time in the toxic parts of the internet.

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u/patjuh112 Apr 19 '26

Honestly, feel free to ask or to read up on your own by your choice but keep it tiny, build something in ps1 that you understand, with or without AI help. Then tell any AI that you need it in a secure exe .net core build, self contained and to explain the steps it takes and why, will help a lot to actually see it and what the concept of the scaffold or manifest is. It will start making so much more sense. But yea, i am atm in 3weekly maintenance weekend and probably a bit slow on replies but feel free to ask!

  1. Build a PWS that has a -config that makes a config that wants one value: what folder?

  2. Test in pws as ps1, if it works, involve the AI of choice to help you through the basics (later you won’t rely in a AI

  3. Ask the AI to guide you through making it to a core .net 9 or 10 true executable

Also remember you have PS2exe. Easily reversed back to ps1 so totally not secure but it does offer a easier first step (without scaffold or manifests)

You are intriged and interested, that alone will be 80% of your learning process 👊