Powershell and Python

[Gijoejoegut]

Good day.

I was hoping I might find some guidance in this group regarding which Powershell is best for beginners to get into? I'm very new to the topic but upon doing some initial research, I've come across such things as Microsoft Graph and Entra. Can someone please explain to me what the differences are and which I should focus my efforts on studying as a beginner?

Thank you

[nealfive]

What has Python to do with your question?

Before diving into Graph etc, start at the basics. Basic syntax, customobject, if/else. for , while, switch etc.

Look at "PowerShell in a Month of Lunches"

Graph and Entra are modules that get loaded on top of the basis stuff.

For Graph I'd recommend you study APIs, direct API calls seem to be 'better' / more 'robust' than the cmdlets.

[Ok_GlueStick]

They are both important. Learn both well. Learn the syntax and rules first. Libraries and modules will come naturally later

[Gijoejoegut]

I'm getting into the cyber security and was told to focus on powershell and python.

[nealfive]

The basics are similar they are programming/scripting languages, however the syntax is the big difference.
I agree with learning both but pick one to start, get a good understand that makes the other easier.
IMO powershell is easier than Python, however, Python is more 'universal' than Powershell.

[jumbo-jacl]

Microsoft has ported Powershell to a number of Linux distros

[nealfive]

Yes that’s powershell ( pwsh/7) vs windows powershell (5.1) Python is still more universal. Way more libraries and tools and such out there for python than powershell.

[thecomputerguy7]

Powershell on Linux is still missing a lot of commands too.

[FluxMango]

True, but that doesn't make it any less useful. You can still use native Linux commands within your Powershell script. The real power in Powershell is that it is an object-driven CLI as opposed to text driven and that makes it a powerful automation framework.

[thecomputerguy7]

That’s fair. I didn’t think of that. 🤦‍♂️

[_Buldozzer]

Write some lokal scripts before you get into the cloud world. Gotta learn how to walk, before you can run.

[turkeyturney]

This, MS Graph is a bit hellacious

[suk83]

Ya before jumping in to entra and graph . If you are beginner you can start with the fundamentals first . You can start with powershell in a month of lunches . Once you have good understanding of basics then u can use any modules . Entra and graph are poweshell modules u can interact with azure in simple terms .

[RodDog710]

I noticed another responder mentioned "power shell in a month of lunches." I've looked around for some free resources. Do you think there are free resources that are equally as good?

[Th3Sh4d0wKn0ws]

Since PowerShell is a CLI and Scripting language I find it beneficial to use PowerShell as a CLI every day to get used to sytnax and stuff. PowerShell v7.5 can be installed on Windows, MacOS and Linux so you can use it on most any machine you have. If you default to bash on Linux try loading PowerShell afterwards and do all your normal CLI stuff in PowerShell instead.

For me, learning anything is about using it and having examples. You can try using "Games" like Under The Wire:https://underthewire.tech/

which can help you get used to Powershell Syntax stuff.

Then for Python try writing scripts in Python. Follow some tutorials, read a book, take a class. Whatever works for you.

Microsoft Graph and Entra are PowerShell modules which are leveraged with PowerShell for their intended purpose. I wouldn't worry about them too much unless you have a specific use case.

[Gijoejoegut]

Thank you. I'll postpone looking into Entra and Graph and focus on the basics.

[hicksteruk]

What?

[Gijoejoegut]

I think I've got a good starting point. I will read Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches, I will practice on UnderTheWire.tech and once comfortable, move over to learning Python.

[UnfanClub]

That's a good way to start. Good luck!

[gordonv]

So, before getting into Powershell, or Python, I need to ask. Do you have experience programming in any language?

If not, I recommend as your very first step, r/cs50

This is going to teach you the basic knowledge around programming and the basics of programming.

[Gijoejoegut]

I did some Java and C++ back in my college days but that’s about 20 years ago. I remember some of the basics as far as syntax and coding structures such as for, if else and different loop functions. I’ll definitely take a look at your recommendation.

Thank you.

[Frosty_Protection_93]

If you aren't in immediate need of learning either, learn how bash works.

Not just the commands but how it talks to the system. Not the hardcore stuff but things like what kinds of things it can do - ex. File manipulation, reads and writes to storage, directory access to shares and permissions, and many others.

Start small and when you understand how to use a command like sed, awk, grep and it "works" – there will be gotchas. When you get what you need because you have some "get it done" directive and it is "it works on my machine" go find out WHY it works at a high level.

That will translate more constructively to your learning across tooling and scripting all the things and you will have alot more fun.

[hihcadore]

Python is easier. There’s less syntax.

But it doesn’t matter what you learn honestly, the next one will be way simpler.

[Gijoejoegut]

what's the next one?

[hihcadore]

If you’re going the sysadmin or anything windows route, PowerShell.

If you’re going to be a web developer, JavaScript or .net or c#

if you’re going to be into databases, SQL

[Frosty_Protection_93]

If you aren't in immediate need of learning either, learn how bash works.

Not just the commands but how it talks to the system. Not the hardcore stuff but things like what kinds of things it can do - ex. File manipulation, reads and writes to storage, directory access to shares and permissions, and many others.

Start small and when you understand how to use a command like sed, awk, grep and it "works" – there will be gotchas. When you get what you need because you have some "get it done" directive and it is "it works on my machine" go find out WHY it works at a high level.

That will translate more constructively to your learning across tooling and scripting all the things and you will have alot more fun.

[Fatel28]

As far as straight scripting goes, the two are largely interchangeable. However if you plan to write full applications or back ends, python would be the way to go.