Switch statement in PowerShell - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a switch statement in PowerShell?

A switch statement lets you test a value against multiple conditions. It runs the code block for the first matching case. It's like choosing a path based on different options.

beginner

How do you write a basic switch statement in PowerShell?

Use the keyword switch followed by parentheses with the value to check. Inside curly braces, list cases with their code blocks. Example:<br>

switch ($value) {
  'a' { Write-Output 'Got a' }
  'b' { Write-Output 'Got b' }
}

beginner

What happens if no case matches in a PowerShell switch statement?

If no case matches, the switch statement does nothing and moves on. You can add a default case to handle unmatched values.

intermediate

Can a PowerShell switch statement handle multiple matches?

Yes! PowerShell switch can process multiple matches if you use the -Regex or -File options. By default, it stops after the first match.

beginner

How do you add a default case in a PowerShell switch statement?

Use the keyword default inside the switch block. It runs if no other case matches. Example:<br>

switch ($value) {
  'a' { Write-Output 'Got a' }
  default { Write-Output 'No match found' }
}

What keyword starts a switch statement in PowerShell?

A switch

B case

C select

D if

The keyword switch starts the switch statement in PowerShell.

What happens if no case matches and there is no default in a PowerShell switch?

A It throws an error

B It runs the last case

C It repeats the switch

D It does nothing and continues

If no case matches and no default is given, the switch does nothing and continues.

How do you write a default case in a PowerShell switch?

A else { }

B default { }

C case default { }

D otherwise { }

Use default { } inside the switch block for unmatched cases.

Which option allows a PowerShell switch to match multiple cases?

A -All

B -Multiple

C -Regex

D -MatchAll

The -Regex option lets switch match multiple cases using patterns.

What is the correct syntax to check a variable $color for 'red' or 'blue' using switch?

A switch ($color) { 'red' { } 'blue' { } }

B switch $color { 'red' { } 'blue' { } }

C switch ($color) then { 'red' { } 'blue' { } }

D switch { $color == 'red' { } $color == 'blue' { } }

The correct syntax is switch ($color) { 'red' { } 'blue' { } }.

Explain how a switch statement works in PowerShell and when you might use it.

Think about choosing actions based on different options.

Write a simple PowerShell switch statement that prints 'Yes' if input is 'y', 'No' if 'n', and 'Unknown' otherwise.

Use default to catch all other inputs.