How to Set Hardcoded Input for Read-Host in PowerShell Scripts

Discover how to provide hardcoded inputs to a PowerShell function that uses Read-Host, eliminating user prompts.
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How to Set Hardcoded Input for Read-Host in PowerShell Scripts

PowerShell scripts are a powerful tool for automation, but they can sometimes be a bit rigid. For example, suppose you have a PowerShell function that prompts users for input using the Read-Host cmdlet. This can be inconvenient, especially when you want to test the function or run it in a scenario where you already know the required values. In this guide, we will explore a solution to this problem by setting hardcoded input for Read-Host calls in PowerShell scripts.

The Problem: User Input Requirement

You might encounter a situation where you want to call a PowerShell function that looks something like this:

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

When you attempt to call this function with defaults like this:

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

You'll still face a prompt asking for user inputs. The objective here is to provide hardcoded values without being prompted for them.

The Solution: Creating a Mock Read-Host Function

Step-by-Step Guide

Define a Local Mock Function for Read-Host:
By creating a new function that overrides the default behavior of Read-Host, we can return hardcoded values based on the prompts given.

Here's how you can define this mock function:

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

In this snippet, we're using a hashtable to map the prompt strings ("Test" and "Test2") to their respective hardcoded values.

Call the Original Function:
After defining the fake Read-Host, you can now call your original function Foo without being prompted for input:

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

Remove the Mock Function:
To maintain cleanliness in your PowerShell session and ensure that the original Read-Host function is restored, you should remove the mock function after use:

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

Complete Code Example

Here is how the complete implementation looks like in one piece:

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

Conclusion

By creating a temporary mock for the Read-Host function, you can easily feed hardcoded inputs into your PowerShell script. This method is particularly useful for testing scripts and automating tasks without manual intervention.

Feel free to implement this solution in your own scripts to streamline your workflows and enhance productivity!