Understanding How PowerShell Variables in Strings Work

A variable in PowerShell is a unit of memory that stores different values such as strings, integers, or booleans. It begins with a dollar sign ($) in PowerShell. In contrast, the string is typically a sequential combination of characters that makes a meaningful text. Variables can store strings and also can be substituted inside a string. Moreover, string-assigned variables can be utilized to concatenate strings.

The following article will discuss techniques related to working a variable in strings.

How PowerShell Variables Work in Strings?

There are many ways to use the variables inside a string. These include the concatenation of strings, the substitution of variables inside strings, or storing system cmdlets inside strings with the help of variables.

Example 1: Concatenate a String With a Single Variable

This following example will help concatenate the string with a variable:

According to the above code:

• First, initialize the “$name” variable and assign the string value “John” to it.
• Initiate another variable, “$msg”, then assign the variable “$name” to it and concatenate with the “Hello, Mr. ” string:

Example 2: Concatenate a String With Multiple Variables

Check out concatenation of the two string-assigned variables:

According to the above code:

• First, initialize the two variables “$f_name” and “$l_name”.
• Then, assign them values with first name and last name.
• After that, initiate another variable, “$msg”, assign it a string, and two variables are defined above.
• Lastly, concatenate them by adding a “+” operator between them and call the “$msg” variable to show the output:

Example 3: Substitute a Variable Inside a String

The following example will substitute string-assigned variables within a string:

In the stated code above:

• After creating string assigned variables “$f_name” and “$l_name”, create another string.
• First, write a word, substitute the two string-assigned variables, and assign it to the “$msg”.
• Finally, call the variable “$msg” to show the output:

Example 4: Substitute a Command in String With a Variable

This example will teach you how to substitute a command inside a string by using a variable:

According to the code above:

• First, initiate a variable “$dir” and assign “Get-Item” cmdlet followed by the directory address.
• Then, initiate another variable, “$msg” and assign a string.
• Inside the string, the “Time:” word is first added, then a dollar sign is specified outside the curly braces, making it a variable.
• Inside the curly braces, the “$dir” variable is concatenated with the “CreationTime” cmdlet.
• Lastly, invoke the “$msg” variable to get the creation time of the directory:

Example 5: Execute a System’s Command by Storing it in the Variable

This example will run a system’s command inside a string that is stored in a variable:

According to the above-stated code:

• First, initiate a variable “$msg” and then assign a string to it.
• Inside a string, add some text first, and then invoke a command “Get-Command” within curly braces.
• Lastly, invoke the “$msg” variable to show the output in the console:

That was all about using variables in strings.

Conclusion

The variables in PowerShell strings work in various ways. The strings are first stored in a variable then those string-assigned variables help concatenate them with the aid of the “+” operator. Moreover, the string-assigned variables can be substituted inside another string. This blog has covered details about the working of the variables in strings in PowerShell.