Accessing SQL Server Data from PowerShell, Part 1

Because Windows PowerShell is integrated with the Microsoft .NET framework, you can leverage the .NET object model within PowerShell scripts. An important advantage is the ability to use ADO.NET to access various types of data sources, including SQL Server. Building ADO.NET objects within a script lets you retrieve data from a SQL Server database, update that data, insert new data, or delete existing data. 

In this article, which is the first of two parts, you’ll learn how to use ADO.NET to retrieve SQL Server data through PowerShell scripts. In Part 2, you’ll learn how to modify that data. As you work through this article, you might find it useful to reference the .NET Framework class library at the MSDN website (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms229335.aspx). The class library provides specific information about each of the ADO.NET objects (described in the following sections), including details about the objects’ methods and properties. Note that this article assumes that you’re already familiar with how to create PowerShell scripts and that you have a general understanding of the .NET Framework and SQL Server databases. (If you’re new to PowerShell, see the PowerShell 101 series in Windows IT Pro. The series begins with Lesson 1—InstantDoc ID 97742.)  . . .