Hashtables are versatile data structures in PowerShell, allowing you to store key-value pairs efficiently. Knowing how to add key-value pairs to a hashtable is essential for effective script development. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to add key-value pairs to hashtables in PowerShell, along with practical examples and outputs.
Adding Key-Value Pairs Using Traditional Syntax
The traditional syntax for creating a hashtable in PowerShell involves using the @{}
notation. You can add key-value pairs to a hashtable during initialization or by directly assigning values to keys.
Example 1: Adding Key-Value Pairs During Initialization
$hashTable = @{
"Name" = "John"
"Age" = 30
}
$hashTable
Output:
Name Value
---- -----
Name John
Age 30
Example 2: Adding Key-Value Pairs by Direct Assignment
$hashTable = @{}
$hashTable["City"] = "New York"
$hashTable["Country"] = "USA"
$hashTable
Output:
Name Value
---- -----
City New York
Country USA
Using the Add
Method
Another method to add key-value pairs to a hashtable is by using the Add
method. This method provides a cleaner and more explicit way to add elements to a hashtable.
Example 3: Adding Key-Value Pairs Using the Add
Method
$hashTable = @{}
$hashTable.Add("Language", "PowerShell")
$hashTable.Add("Version", "7.2")
$hashTable
Output:
Name Value
---- -----
Language PowerShell
Version 7.2
In PowerShell, adding key-value pairs to a hashtable is a fundamental operation for managing and manipulating data efficiently. By mastering the techniques demonstrated in this article, you can enhance your scripting skills and streamline your PowerShell workflows.