Powershell scoping change?

Question

I've been having an issue with updating a global variable in a function. I found the following article, which looked promising:

Variable scoping in PowerShell

However, I discovered that nothing he posted matched the output I saw. Here's his code:

$array=@("g")
function foo()
{
    $array += "h"
    Write-Host $array
}

& {
    $array +="s"
    Write-Host $array
}
foo

Write-Host $array

And his results:

g s
g h
g

However... My results on PowerShell 5.0 are:

s
h
g

Adding the suggested solution of $global:array += "s" gives:

g
h
g

What am I missing and how do I rectify it? How can I update a variable that is outside of a function from within a function if $global: doesn't work?

Side note: In ISE, I get the expected result. But when running it from my .ps1, I get the above. — SaintFrag
– SaintFrag, Commented Feb 13, 2016 at 13:05

Joey · Accepted Answer · 2016-02-13 13:09:15Z

3

The array is declared at script scope, not global. Either declare the array as a global variable as well:

$global:array=@("g")

or use script scope to update it:

$script:array += "h"

I'd suggest the latter because using global variables for things only your script needs is a bit superfluous.

answered Feb 13, 2016 at 13:09

Joey

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1 Comment

SaintFrag Over a year ago

This was pretty much what I was missing.... the declaration had to be added as $global: as well in order for it to work. I also agree that scoping to $script: is a much better overall option and worked as expected in my actual PS script. Thanks!

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