How to convert C# code to a PowerShell Script?

Question

I regularly have to convert an existing C# code snippet/.CS file to a PowerShell script. How could I automate this process?

While I am aware that there are methods that can convert a .cs file to a cmdlet, I'm only interested in converting the C# code to a script or module.

here's a paid product https://docs.poshtools.com/powershell-tools-documentation/visual-studio/code-conversion — BozoJoe, Feb 21 '22 at 15:58

score 79 · Accepted Answer · edited May 05 '18 at 18:00

79

I know you're looking for something that somehow converts C# directly to PowerShell, but I thought this is close enough to suggest it.

In PS v1 you can use a compiled .NET DLL:

PS> $client = new-object System.Net.Sockets.TcpClient
PS> $client.Connect($address, $port)

In PS v2 you can add C# code directly into PowerShell and use it without 'converting' using Add-Type (copied straight from MSDN )

C:\PS>$source = @"
public class BasicTest
{
    public static int Add(int a, int b)
    {
        return (a + b);
    }

    public int Multiply(int a, int b)
    {
        return (a * b);
    }
}
"@

C:\PS> Add-Type -TypeDefinition $source

C:\PS> [BasicTest]::Add(4, 3)

C:\PS> $basicTestObject = New-Object BasicTest 
C:\PS> $basicTestObject.Multiply(5, 2)

edited May 05 '18 at 18:00

Leniel Maccaferri

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answered Jan 27 '10 at 01:20

James Pogran

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Can I use my custom libraries C# with helpers and utils class? – Kiquenet Mar 05 '13 at 15:38
How to get .Netframework support in PowerShell? Will this work on just a brand new machine imaged with windows without .netframework installed? How to get .net framework support in a powershell? – Venkatesh Muniyandi Feb 21 '19 at 00:30

score 12 · Answer 2 · edited Jun 20 '20 at 09:12

12

There is a Reflector add-in for PowerShell that will allow you to see the corresponding PowerShell script for static methods on classes

There's a good post with the example: http://blogs.msmvps.com/paulomorgado/2009/09/17/powershell-for-the-net-developer/.

edited Jun 20 '20 at 09:12

Community

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answered Jan 26 '10 at 23:35

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score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 29 '20 at 15:04

1

PowerShell Pro Tools for Visual Studio have a feature to convert C# code in a PowerShell script.

answered Sep 29 '20 at 15:04

marsze

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How to convert C# code to a PowerShell Script?

3 Answers3

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