In Detail

PowerShell is Microsoft's new command-line shell and scripting language that promises to simplify automation and integration across different Microsoft applications and components. Database professionals can leverage PowerShell by utilizing its numerous built-in cmdlets, or using any of the readily available. NET classes, to automate database tasks, simplify integration, or just discover new ways to accomplish the job at hand.

“SQL Server 2012 with PowerShell V3 Cookbook” provides easy-to-follow, practical examples for the busy database professional. Whether you're auditing your servers, or exporting data, or deploying reports, there is a recipe that you can use right away!

You start off with basic topics to get you going with SQL Server and PowerShell scripts and progress into more advanced topics to help you manage and administer your SQL Server databases.

The first few chapters demonstrate how to work with SQL Server settings and objects, including exploring objects, creating databases, configuring server settings, and performing inventories. The book then deep dives into more administration topics like backup and restore, credentials, policies, jobs.

Additional development and BI-specific topics are also explored, including deploying and downloading assemblies, BLOB data, SSIS packages, and SSRS reports.

A short PowerShell primer is also provided as a supplement in the Appendix, which the database professional can use as a refresher or occasional reference material. Packed with more than 100 practical, ready-to-use scripts, “SQL Server 2012 with PowerShell V3 Cookbook” will be your go-to reference in automating and managing SQL Server.

Approach

“SQL Server 2012 with PowerShell V3 Cookbook” is an example-focused book that provides step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish specific SQL Server tasks using PowerShell. Each recipe is followed by an analysis of the steps or design decisions taken, and additional information about the task at hand. Working scripts are provided for all examples so that you can dive in right away. You can read this book sequentially by chapter, or you can pick and choose which topics you need right away.

Who this book is for

This book is written for the SQL Server database professional (DBA, developer, BI developer) who wants to use PowerShell to automate, integrate, and simplify database tasks. A little bit of scripting background is helpful, but not necessary.