Would like to run PowerShell code from inside a C++ program

Question

I want to be able to run like 30 lines of PowerShell script from my c++ program. I've heard it's a terrible idea, I don't care. I still would like to know how.

I just want to code directly in the C++ program, i do not want to externally call the PowerShell script. Is there any way to do this? If it's impossible, just say no.

For example

void runPScode() {

//command to tell compiler the following is PowerShell code
//a bunch of PowerShell code

}

Thanks!

I've looked for commands to do this and have read several 'similar' questions.

Answer 1

This just for completeness' sake:

---

PowerShell has an API - see System.Management.Automation.PowerShell. The API is managed (i. e. .NET-based). It's possible to build a mixed mode C++ application and invoke said API from the managed part.

Place the following into a separate C++ file:

#include "stdafx.h"
#include <vcclr.h>
#using <mscorlib.dll>
#using <System.dll>
#using <System.Management.Automation.dll>

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Management::Automation;

void RunPowerShell(LPCWSTR s)
{
    PowerShell::Create()->AddScript(gcnew String(s))->Invoke();
}

In Project Properties, under VC++ Directories, add C:\Program Files (x86)\Reference Assemblies\Microsoft\WindowsPowerShell\3.0 to Reference Directories (your path may vary).

Set the following compiler options for that file only:

• Common Language RunTime Support (/clr)
• Debug information format - Program Database (/Zi)
• Enable C++ exceptions - No
• Basic runtime checks - Default
• Precompiled header - Not Using Precompiled Headers

You need /clr for calling .NET from C++, but /clr is incompatible with a bunch of other C++ options. If you miss something, the compiler error messages will let you know.

Declare void RunPowerShell(LPCWSTR) as a regular external function in the unmanaged parts of the project, invoke as needed.

---

That said, whatever your Powershell does, C++/Win32 probably can do too. That said, some one-line features of Powershell (e. g. the remoting) would translate into hundreds of lines of C++.

Answer 2

//command to tell compiler the following is PowerShell code

No! There's no such command to tell the compiler, and

//a bunch of PowerShell code ...

being executed inline.

You can achieve this using the CreateProcess() function choosing your shell, and provide it with the appropriate code to execute.

Answer 3

You have two options: using system or CreateProcess. The system documentation is found at:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/c-runtime-library/reference/system-wsystem?view=vs-2019

Using this method you pass a string command. An example, as shown in the documentation:

system( "type crt_system.txt" );

CreateProcess documentation is found at:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/api/processthreadsapi/nf-processthreadsapi-createprocessa

Using this command is a little trickier and I wouldn't recommend it for simple commands.

For additional information please see: how can we use a batch file in c++?

Answer 4

How I do it at work... is just with a shortcut on the desktop... what's even more tricky? Getting XAML to pin on the taskbar...

C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle hidden -File "C:\Users\USER01\Documents\scripts\runClassModule.ps1"

and just set the shortcut with this target.

So that in c++ ... just call out the shortcut...

system("c:\\users\\USER01\Desktop\\yourshortcut\\shortcut.lnk") ; 

or just the code itself

system("C:\\Windows\\System32\\WindowsPowerShell\\v1.0\\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle hidden -File C:\\Users\\USER01\\Documents\\myApp\\modulesScripts\\runClassModule.ps1");

This opens a variety of win32 apps and forms I use for automatic motion.

Going all the way and adding a password while examining some of the codes used by the shell....

 system("C:\\Windows\\System32\\runas.exe  /profile  /user:MYDOMAIN\\USER01\"C:\\Windows\\System32\\WindowsPowerShell\\v1.0\\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle hidden -File C:\\Users\\USER01\\Documents\\myApp\\modules\\runClassModule.ps1\"");