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powershellvariablesoperators

What does " :: " do and how do you use " :: " in powershell scripts?

Is it the equivalent of objectName.method or attribute in C#? An example or 2 would be helpful to learn exactly how to use this syntax of ::

Solution

  • From the about_Operators help topic:

    :: Static member operator
    Calls the static properties operator and methods of a .NET
    Framework class. To find the static properties and methods of an
    object, use the Static parameter of the Get-Member cmdlet.
   
    [datetime]::now

    That's basically it.

    The static member operator takes a type literal on the left hand side, and allows access to that type's static members (methods and properties alike):

    # The PowerShell class can only be instantiated through a static method called Create()
$psInstance = [powershell]::Create()

    You can also use it on a variable containing a type:

    $dt = [datetime]
$UtcTimestamp = $dt::UtcNow