Create File using DSC PowerShell Script - Part II

PowerShell DSC is one of my favorite topics to teach, because the technology is simply amazing. Usually I do not have enough time with a customer to teach all of the built-in resources. I would guess that the Script resource is one of the least understood.This sample has tested on PSVersion 4.0.

Applies To: Windows PowerShell 4.0, Windows PowerShell 5.0

Step 1. Script Resource Log File Example

Here is an elegantly simple use of the Script resource. We have send file contents as parameter to DSC Script. The code is its own documentation. Study it carefully.

configuration WinLogAutoGen
{ 
    param(
        [parameter(Mandatory=$true)]
        [string]    $Contents
    )

    #import the module of DSC for using DSCResources.
    Import-DscResource -ModuleName PSDesiredStateConfiguration;

    # use the file resource to create file.
    File windowsupdatelog{
        DestinationPath  = 'C:\windows\DynamicParameterDemo.log';
        Ensure = 'Present';
        Contents = $Contents ; #'Some text lo';
    } 
}

#Create mof file
WinLogAutoGen -OutputPath D:\dsc-mof

#Apply mof File to Node (Server)
Start-DscConfiguration -Wait -Verbose -Force -Path D:\dsc-mof

Notice the Write-Verbose statements. These are important for logging and output when the resource runs.

Step 2. Output

Step 3. Verify Output

Verify the content of DynamicParameterDemo.log file. PowerShell Command as below

Get-Content C:\Windows\DynamicParameterDemo.log

Note: We can verify the mof file content as well, PowerShell Command as below

Get-Content D:\dsc-mof\localhost.mof

IMP : Target nodes(Server) can apply only one MOF file.

Reference

• Documentation: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/dsc/fileresource
• http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=2350701&seqNum=5

Your Turn

Now it is your turn. Take this sample and implement your own script resources. Leave a comment below telling what you accomplished.

Best wishes on your adventure learning DSC!