How to Properly Pass Arguments with Spaces to a PowerShell Script from Jenkins

Encountering issues with spaces in parameters when calling PowerShell scripts from Jenkins? Learn how to correctly configure your Jenkins script to handle arguments seamlessly.
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Handling Spaces in Arguments When Passing to PowerShell Scripts from Jenkins

When working with scripts in Jenkins, especially those that invoke PowerShell commands, one common issue that developers face is passing arguments that contain spaces. This situation often leads to incorrect indexing of parameters and unexpected behavior in the scripts. If you find yourself struggling with this problem, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll go through the specific scenario of passing parameters with spaces to a PowerShell script from Jenkins, and I'll share an effective solution.

The Problem

Let’s say you have a Jenkins pipeline that calls a PowerShell script like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Inside your PowerShell script, you're preparing for a remote session and using the command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Issue

The primary challenge occurs when any of the arguments passed (such as ${params.NAME} or ${params.DESCRIPTION}) contain spaces. PowerShell interprets these spaces as argument delimiters, which leads to incorrect indexing. For example, if ${params.NAME} is “My Parameter”, PowerShell will split this string into multiple arguments, resulting in an incorrect reference when you attempt to access $args[1] for ${params.DESCRIPTION}.

The Solution

To avoid this issue, it is crucial to ensure that PowerShell recognizes each of these parameters as a single argument, even when they contain spaces. Here's how you can do it effectively:

Step 1: Enclose Parameters in Quotes

By enclosing the parameters in quotes, you can tell PowerShell to treat everything inside as a single string, including spaces. However, since we are working within a Groovy string in Jenkins, these quotes need to be escaped properly.

Example Adjustment

Here’s how the corrected call to the PowerShell script will look:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Breakdown of the Changes

The " ensures that when Jenkins executes the command, the quotes are passed correctly to PowerShell.

Each parameter is distinctly quoted, ensuring that PowerShell handles them properly, irrespective of spaces.

Conclusion

Handling spaces in command-line arguments may seem tricky, but with a proper understanding and correct syntax, you can ensure that your PowerShell scripts execute flawlessly from Jenkins. Always remember to enclose your parameters in quotes and use the correct escape sequences to maintain their integrity.

If you follow the approach outlined in this guide, you should be able to pass arguments with spaces easily, making your Jenkins and PowerShell integration much smoother. Happy scripting!