Jeffery Hicks

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Jeffery Hicks

1 article  •  4 podcast episodes

2 min read

A New Home for Plaster

Some of you may be familiar with the Plaster PowerShell module. This slick tool lets you build out a new module in seconds. Actually, Plaster can be used to scaffold a framework for any type of project. You can install the current version from the PowerShell Gallery. However, the project has been in limbo for a while with no updates or progress. After discussions with the PowerShell Team about the module, a decision was made to transfer ownership to the PowerShell community. We’re happy to report that the Plaster repository is now under the auspices of PowerShell.org. The GitHub repo, including pull requests and issues, can now be found at https://github.com/PowerShellOrg/Plaster.
It will take some time to get re-organized and work through the backlog of issues and pull requests. Although it is possible that we’ll simply zero out things like pull requests and start with a fresh slate. The basic functionality of the module should work just fine in its current state. Enough members of the PowerShell community recognize the value in the Plaster module which is why this transfer was made.
And frankly, this is one of PowerShell.org’s primary purposes: to serve the community. In this case, Microsoft had a languishing asset that needed more attention than what they could provide. Which is exactly where PowerShell.org fits in. We can step in providing the resources and in the end contribute back to the community. A big thank you to Steve Lee at Microsoft for making this possible.

Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast Crafting a Fulfilling Career: Wisdom from Industry Leaders Jeff Hicks and Mike F. Robbins

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, Andrew Pla is joined by esteemed guests Jeff Hicks, Microsoft MVP, and Mike F. Robbins, renowned Azure PowerShell writer. Together, they delve into the essential non-PowerShell skills necessary for a thriving career in IT. The conversation extends to the invaluable experiences gained from the OnRamp program at PowerShell Summit, highlighting the significance of passing on knowledge to the next generation. They also explore various community projects, recommend insightful books that capture the essence of the Summit experience, and stress the importance of fostering curiosity in one’s journey. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom and inspiration from these industry experts!

Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast Code in Action: Embracing Hands-On Learning with Jeff Hicks

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, guest Jeff Hicks leads a dynamic discussion on the power of hands-on learning with PowerShell and the numerous benefits of learning by doing. Jeff challenges the community with a scripting challenge, encouraging active participation. The episode also features a showcase of some outstanding community blogs, including topics like PowerShell performance testing, web scraping, and module development. Jeff shares insights into his own remarkable modules, and the hosts delve into noteworthy community projects. Don’t miss Jeff’s scripting challenge and be sure to check out the community blogs and links discussed in this episode!

Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast Reaching New Users with Jeff Hicks

We are joined by Jeff Hicks, who shares his expertise as a longtime PowerShell educator. We get things started by in the most logical way: talking about the Teletubbies and the biggest secret in content creation. Jeff discusses how to get more people into PowerShell. He emphasizes the importance of regular use in order to become fluent in the language. Jeff also provides some great advice on learning new things: if it’s too much to take in all at once, bookmark it and come back later. Tune in to learn more! 

Podcast Episode 2 min

The Value of Mentorship with Jeff Hicks

Episode Summary:

We caught up with Jeff Hicks at the PowerShell and Global DevOps summit. He talks about how he always wanted to be a teacher and how PowerShell has helped him achieve that. We also discuss the holy trinity of PowerShell Cmdlet: Get-Help, Get-Command, and Get-Member, which will help you find the command you need, learn how to use it, and give you everything you would want to know about the objects it returns. Those commands can help you move through almost any roadblock while learning PowerShell. We end with a general discussion about PowerShell, and what we love most about it.