Editing a PowerShell script can be done with many different apps. While what you use comes down to what you are comfortable with, it is good to be aware of the many (and the list in this post is far from all inclusive) editors that are out there. Some of the editors that are available for coding with PowerShell are:
- Notepad
- Note++
- EditPad
- PowerShell ISE
- Visual Studio Code
- PowerShell Studio 2018
Let’s run through each of these editors quickly to see which may be suitable to the task of editing PowerShell scripts.
Notepad
Notepad is the most basic of all of the editors we are looking at today. It has the advantage of being free (included with Windows OS), fast and easy to use. Editing basic scripts, or writing code quickly are tasks that Notepad is most suited for. It could also be used for editing CSV files or other data files that maybe queried by a script. However, for basic to advanced features, Notepad is sorely lacking. It is not PowerShell aware, includes no plug-ins or extensions nor does it include any form of spell checker.
Notepad++
A serious ‘upgrade’ from notepad (downloads required, but still free). It includes numerous features that make editing scripts easier. It is PowerShell aware. It has a spellchecker. The code, at least when editing PowerShell, is color coded depending on the type of PowerShell
Notepad++ includes many advanced features that can be helpful – macro, multiple language support and plug-in support. The editor is free and has uses outside of just using it for PowerShell coding.
EditPad Pro
On the same level as Notepad++. First thing you notice is the amount of options that are included in the product. It is far more versatile than using the basic notepad. It is PowerShell aware, it is, however, not free. It is $49.99. This doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it or that the features and time that the authors have put into EditPad Pro are not worth it. It is just something for you to be aware of.
At first I did not think that EditPad Pro had plugin-ins, but upon closer investigation you will see that it includes a concept of tools (https://www.editpadpro.com/tools.html) which provide for an expanded capability to the basic EditPadPro.
Beyond this, Spellcheck, macros and more are included. It appears to be a good, advanced PowerShell editor.
PowerShell ISE
Microsoft’s own ISE that came out with Windows 2008 r2 has changed over the years, but is now is rumored to not have any future in development. This does not make it an undesirable editor. However, it may mean that those that use it now may want to begin exploring other options and those that are not using it should not begin to learn a product that may have no future.
That being said, it is a very popular editor with plenty of features. It is free, PowerShell away (obviously), and it allows for additional Plug-Ins like the popular ISE Steroids. Additional it does a good job in guiding PowerShell entry with simple syntax checking and cmdlet suggestions as you are typing.
However, it does not have some of the more advanced features and is missing some of the advanced features we saw in EditPad and NotePad++ and ones we’ll see in Visual Studio Code and PowerShell Studio 2018.
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a definite upgrade from PowerShell ISE. For one, we now have source control, a script explorer , better debug functionality, and extensions for adding advanced add-ins. Having these built in make for a better coding experience by reducing time needed to find and add new features to your editor. The color coding, with the ‘dark theme’ are a definite change and may take some time to get used to.
Spellchecking is not built in and must be added manually. I find this annoying for any editor even when I can add it. Just another hoop to jump through. Microsoft also has its typical ‘telemetry’ enabled by default, so make sure that if you don’t want to contribute, to remove this ‘feature’.
Overall, it appears to be a step up from the old ISE, with a few wrinkles. Is it perfect? No. But it does provide some convincing features.
PowerShell Studio 2018
PowerShell Studio is a premier product, which comes with a premier price. Out the door, a single license of the product will set you back a cool $399 without Premiere Support. Premier support is an additional $99. It is a product geared to those who get paid to code or to companies that want to provide their employees with the best products for their coding needs.
The interface for PowerShell Studio 2018 speaks the level of complexity that it can handle. For basic, short scripts, this editor is definite overkill. However, for more complex coding projects the features included will be time savers and enhancements over normal editors.
Conclusion
In the end, I recommend using at least Visual Studio Code as your editor. If you need some more advanced features, then EditPad Pro / Notepad++ may be more suitable for your needs. However, if you write code professionally or have complex and advanced needs, then PowerShell Studio 2018 is probably your best bet.
** Topics like this and introductions into scripting are covered on both of our books.
