Skip to content
Merged
Show file tree
Hide file tree
Changes from 1 commit
Commits
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension

Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Loading
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Loading
Diff view
Diff view
1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions README.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ Team and project-specific instructions to enhance GitHub Copilot's behavior for
| [Markdown](instructions/markdown.instructions.md) | Documentation and content creation standards | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fmarkdown.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fmarkdown.instructions.md) |
| [Next.js + Tailwind Development Instructions](instructions/nextjs-tailwind.instructions.md) | Next.js + Tailwind development standards and instructions | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fnextjs-tailwind.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fnextjs-tailwind.instructions.md) |
| [Performance Optimization Best Practices](instructions/performance-optimization.instructions.md) | The most comprehensive, practical, and engineer-authored performance optimization instructions for all languages, frameworks, and stacks. Covers frontend, backend, and database best practices with actionable guidance, scenario-based checklists, troubleshooting, and pro tips. | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fperformance-optimization.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fperformance-optimization.instructions.md) |
| [PowerShell Cmdlet Development Guidelines](instructions/powershell.instructions.md) | PowerShell cmdlet and scripting best practices based on Microsoft guidelines | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fpowershell.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fpowershell.instructions.md) |
| [Python Coding Conventions](instructions/python.instructions.md) | Python coding conventions and guidelines | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fpython.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fpython.instructions.md) |
| [Secure Coding and OWASP Guidelines](instructions/security-and-owasp.instructions.md) | Comprehensive secure coding instructions for all languages and frameworks, based on OWASP Top 10 and industry best practices. | [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code-Install-0098FF?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fsecurity-and-owasp.instructions.md) [![Install in VS Code](https://img.shields.io/badge/VS_Code_Insiders-Install-24bfa5?style=flat-square&logo=visualstudiocode&logoColor=white)](https://insiders.vscode.dev/redirect?url=vscode-insiders%3Achat-instructions%2Finstall%3Furl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fraw.githubusercontent.com%2Fgithub%2Fawesome-copilot%2Fmain%2Finstructions%2Fsecurity-and-owasp.instructions.md) |

Expand Down
333 changes: 333 additions & 0 deletions instructions/powershell.instructions.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,333 @@
---
applyTo: "**/*.ps1,**/*.psm1"
Copy link

Copilot AI Jul 7, 2025

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Front matter values should use single quotes instead of double quotes. Change applyTo to use single quotes.

Copilot uses AI. Check for mistakes.
description: "PowerShell cmdlet and scripting best practices based on Microsoft guidelines"
---

# PowerShell Cmdlet Development Guidelines

This guide provides PowerShell-specific instructions to help GitHub Copilot generate idiomatic, safe, and maintainable scripts. It aligns with Microsoft’s PowerShell cmdlet development guidelines.

## Naming Conventions

- **Verb-Noun Format:**
- Use approved PowerShell verbs (Get-Verb)
- Use singular nouns
- PascalCase for both verb and noun
- Avoid special characters and spaces

- **Parameter Names:**
- Use PascalCase
- Choose clear, descriptive names
- Use singular form unless always multiple
- Follow PowerShell standard names

- **Variable Names:**
- Use PascalCase for public variables
- Use camelCase for private variables
- Avoid abbreviations
- Use meaningful names

- **Alias Avoidance:**
- Use full cmdlet names
- Avoid using aliases in scripts (e.g., use Get-ChildItem instead of gci)
- Document any custom aliases
- Use full parameter names

### Example

```powershell
function Get-UserProfile {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory)]
[string]$Username,

[Parameter()]
[ValidateSet('Basic', 'Detailed')]
[string]$ProfileType = 'Basic'
)

process {
# Logic here
}
}
```

## Parameter Design

- **Standard Parameters:**
- Use common parameter names (`Path`, `Name`, `Force`)
- Follow built-in cmdlet conventions
- Use aliases for specialized terms
- Document parameter purpose

- **Parameter Names:**
- Use singular form unless always multiple
- Choose clear, descriptive names
- Follow PowerShell conventions
- Use PascalCase formatting

- **Type Selection:**
- Use common .NET types
- Implement proper validation
- Consider ValidateSet for limited options
- Enable tab completion where possible

- **Switch Parameters:**
- Use [switch] for boolean flags
- Avoid $true/$false parameters
- Default to $false when omitted
- Use clear action names

### Example

```powershell
function Set-ResourceConfiguration {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory)]
[string]$Name,

[Parameter()]
[ValidateSet('Dev', 'Test', 'Prod')]
[string]$Environment = 'Dev',

[Parameter()]
[switch]$Force,

[Parameter()]
[ValidateNotNullOrEmpty()]
[string[]]$Tags
)

process {
# Logic here
}
}
```

## Pipeline and Output

- **Pipeline Input:**
- Use `ValueFromPipeline` for direct object input
- Use `ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName` for property mapping
- Implement Begin/Process/End blocks for pipeline handling
- Document pipeline input requirements

- **Output Objects:**
- Return rich objects, not formatted text
- Use PSCustomObject for structured data
- Avoid Write-Host for data output
- Enable downstream cmdlet processing

- **Pipeline Streaming:**
- Output one object at a time
- Use process block for streaming
- Avoid collecting large arrays
- Enable immediate processing

- **PassThru Pattern:**
- Default to no output for action cmdlets
- Implement `-PassThru` switch for object return
- Return modified/created object with `-PassThru`
- Use verbose/warning for status updates

### Example

```powershell
function Update-ResourceStatus {
[CmdletBinding()]
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory, ValueFromPipeline, ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName)]
[string]$Name,

[Parameter(Mandatory)]
[ValidateSet('Active', 'Inactive', 'Maintenance')]
[string]$Status,

[Parameter()]
[switch]$PassThru
)

begin {
Write-Verbose "Starting resource status update process"
$timestamp = Get-Date
}

process {
# Process each resource individually
Write-Verbose "Processing resource: $Name"

$resource = [PSCustomObject]@{
Name = $Name
Status = $Status
LastUpdated = $timestamp
UpdatedBy = $env:USERNAME
}

# Only output if PassThru is specified
if ($PassThru) {
Write-Output $resource
}
}

end {
Write-Verbose "Resource status update process completed"
}
}
```

## Error Handling and Safety

- **ShouldProcess Implementation:**
- Use `[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true)]`
- Set appropriate `ConfirmImpact` level
- Call `$PSCmdlet.ShouldProcess()` for system changes
- Use `ShouldContinue()` for additional confirmations

- **Message Streams:**
- `Write-Verbose` for operational details with `-Verbose`
- `Write-Warning` for warning conditions
- `Write-Error` for non-terminating errors
- `throw` for terminating errors
- Avoid `Write-Host` except for user interface text

- **Error Handling Pattern:**
- Use try/catch blocks for error management
- Set appropriate ErrorAction preferences
- Return meaningful error messages
- Use ErrorVariable when needed
- Include proper terminating vs non-terminating error handling

- **Non-Interactive Design:**
- Accept input via parameters
- Avoid `Read-Host` in scripts
- Support automation scenarios
- Document all required inputs

### Example

```powershell
function Remove-UserAccount {
[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true, ConfirmImpact = 'High')]
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory, ValueFromPipeline)]
[ValidateNotNullOrEmpty()]
[string]$Username,

[Parameter()]
[switch]$Force
)

begin {
Write-Verbose "Starting user account removal process"
$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
}

process {
try {
# Validation
if (-not (Test-UserExists -Username $Username)) {
Write-Error "User account '$Username' not found"
return
}

# Confirmation
$shouldProcessMessage = "Remove user account '$Username'"
if ($Force -or $PSCmdlet.ShouldProcess($Username, $shouldProcessMessage)) {
Write-Verbose "Removing user account: $Username"

# Main operation
Remove-ADUser -Identity $Username -ErrorAction Stop
Write-Warning "User account '$Username' has been removed"
}
}
catch [Microsoft.ActiveDirectory.Management.ADException] {
Write-Error "Active Directory error: $_"
throw
}
catch {
Write-Error "Unexpected error removing user account: $_"
throw
}
}

end {
Write-Verbose "User account removal process completed"
}
}
```

## Documentation and Style

- **Comment-Based Help:** Include comment-based help for any public-facing function or cmdlet. Inside the function, add a `<# ... #>` help comment with at least:
- `.SYNOPSIS` Brief description
- `.DESCRIPTION` Detailed explanation
- `.EXAMPLE` sections with practical usage
- `.PARAMETER` descriptions
- `.OUTPUTS` Type of output returned
- `.NOTES` Additional information

- **Consistent Formatting:**
- Follow consistent PowerShell style
- Use proper indentation (4 spaces recommended)
- Opening braces on same line as statement
- Closing braces on new line
- Use line breaks after pipeline operators
- PascalCase for function and parameter names
- Avoid unnecessary whitespace

- **Pipeline Support:**
- Implement Begin/Process/End blocks for pipeline functions
- Use ValueFromPipeline where appropriate
- Support pipeline input by property name
- Return proper objects, not formatted text

- **Avoid Aliases:** Use full cmdlet names and parameters
- Avoid using aliases in scripts (e.g., use Get-ChildItem instead of gci); aliases are acceptable for interactive shell use.
- Use `Where-Object` instead of `?` or `where`
- Use `ForEach-Object` instead of `%`
- Use `Get-ChildItem` instead of `ls` or `dir`

## Full Example: End-to-End Cmdlet Pattern

```powershell
function New-Resource {
[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess = $true, ConfirmImpact = 'Medium')]
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory = $true,
ValueFromPipeline = $true,
ValueFromPipelineByPropertyName = $true)]
[ValidateNotNullOrEmpty()]
[string]$Name,

[Parameter()]
[ValidateSet('Development', 'Production')]
[string]$Environment = 'Development'
)

begin {
Write-Verbose "Starting resource creation process"
}

process {
try {
if ($PSCmdlet.ShouldProcess($Name, "Create new resource")) {
# Resource creation logic here
Write-Output ([PSCustomObject]@{
Name = $Name
Environment = $Environment
Created = Get-Date
})
}
}
catch {
Write-Error "Failed to create resource: $_"
}
}

end {
Write-Verbose "Completed resource creation process"
}
}
```