Terminating vs non-terminating errors in PowerShell - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a terminating error in PowerShell?

A terminating error stops the script or command immediately. It means PowerShell cannot continue until the error is fixed or handled.

beginner

What is a non-terminating error in PowerShell?

A non-terminating error reports a problem but lets the script or command keep running. It shows a warning or message but does not stop execution.

intermediate

How can you catch a terminating error in PowerShell?

You can catch terminating errors using try { } catch { } blocks. The catch block runs only if a terminating error happens.

intermediate

Which error type can be controlled by the -ErrorAction parameter in PowerShell?

The -ErrorAction parameter can control non-terminating errors by choosing to Continue, SilentlyContinue, Stop, or Ignore errors.

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Example: What happens if you run a command that tries to get a file that does not exist with default error settings?

PowerShell shows a non-terminating error message but continues running the script. The error is reported but does not stop execution.

What type of error stops a PowerShell script immediately?

A Information message

B Non-terminating error

C Warning

D Terminating error

Terminating errors stop the script immediately, unlike non-terminating errors which allow the script to continue.

Which PowerShell block is used to handle terminating errors?

A try { } catch { }

B foreach { }

C if { } else { }

D switch { }

The try { } catch { } block is designed to catch and handle terminating errors.

What does the -ErrorAction parameter control?

A Terminating errors only

B Non-terminating errors only

C Both terminating and non-terminating errors

D Syntax errors

-ErrorAction controls how non-terminating errors behave, such as continuing or stopping.

If a command fails but the script continues, what type of error likely occurred?

A Non-terminating error

B Terminating error

C Syntax error

D Runtime error

Non-terminating errors report problems but allow the script to continue running.

Which error type requires explicit handling to prevent script stop?

A Warning

B Non-terminating error

C Terminating error

D Information

Terminating errors stop the script unless handled with try/catch.

Explain the difference between terminating and non-terminating errors in PowerShell.

Think about whether the script stops or keeps running when an error happens.

Describe how you would handle a terminating error in a PowerShell script.

Focus on the PowerShell syntax for error handling.