Use of PowerShell in SQL Server

Since the mass acceptance of SQL as the go-to database query language, SQL administrators have spent long hours in performing their routine tasks. However, since the advent of PowerShell, administrators have breathed a sigh of relief and exploited it to the maximum for convenience of database operations. Devised by Microsoft in 2008, it is a task automation and configuration management framework. PowerShell comprises of a command-line shell and associated scripting language that works wonders in automating complex tasks performed by SQL administrators. Such is the demand for this language that even entry level PowerShell professionals are earning a high salary. The average salary of a Windows PowerShell system administrator is estimated at a whopping $62,074 per year in the US by PayScale.

Advantages of PowerShell

Microsoft’s PowerShell is rated highly amongst IT professionals because of its following advantages:

Easy Access to Difficult-To-Get Information

Sometimes, a graphical user interface may simply not be good enough for reaching out to information stored in the database. In these cases, PowerShell can come in really handy. Not only it helps in finding obscure information, but it also reduces the time taken for performing time-consuming searches.

Automates Routine Tasks

Sometimes even the simplest of tasks in SQL can take a lot out of an SQL expert. In these scenarios, PowerShell’s power of automation can be harnessed for performing the tasks without any real-time human involvement.

Quickens the Pace of Tasks

When there is a need to perform bulky tasks quickly, PowerShell can be of great help. It can facilitate the process of inputting data for bulk imports, massive migrations, or creating a lot of users at once.

It is possible to benefit from all the aforementioned advantages of PowerShell by learning it through the PowerShell for SQL administration guide. This guide also teaches users the whole process of using PowerShell in SQL Server.

Implementing PowerShell in SQL Server

There are multiple SQL Server Agent job steps that exist. Each type of job step is associated with a subsystem that applies a specific environment, which can either be replication agent or command prompt environment. After implementing the environment, it is possible to code Windows PowerShell scripts, and then utilize SQL Server Agent to include the scripts in jobs that run at scheduled times or in response to SQL Server events. Windows PowerShell scripts can be run using either a command prompt job step or a PowerShell job step. Below is a step by step explanation of PowerShell job step:

How To Create A Powershell Job

Here’s a series of events that need to happen for you to create a Powershell job step.

• Expand SQL Server Agent, construct a new job or right-click on an existing job. After that then click on Properties.
• In the dialog box that opens, click on the Steps page, and then select New.
• In the New Job Step dialog, input a job Step name.
• In the Type list that emerges, click on PowerShell.
• In the Run as list, choose the proxy account with the credentials that the job will use.
• Open the Command box and enter the PowerShell script syntax that will be executed for the job step. You can also click on Open and choose a file that already contains the script syntax.
• Now, go to the Advanced page and set the following job step options:

- Number of retry attempts that should be made

- Action to take in case job step succeeds or fails

- Number of times SQL Server Agent should try to execute the job step

By performing the aforementioned steps, it is possible to make use of PowerShell in SQL Server.

PowerShell for SQL Administration Certification

The ease with which you can perform complex SQL tasks with PowerShell has made it an exceptional technology that everyone wants to learn. If you are an SQL administrator with little to no PowerShell experience, you should go through a PowerShell for SQL administration training to maximize your potential. Even for IT industry aspirants, learning PowerShell can open new gates of opportunity. In order to succeed in your endeavors, you should take a course at a reputed institute like QuickStart. With its high pedigree and excellent training programs, it provides the best path forward to the individuals who want to make it big in their career.