default for out-file -encoding ascii

[Frank]

Hi,

I use PowerShell to write batch files for execution. As a result, I need to
make sure they are ascii files or they will not execute. I use the -encoding
ascii all the time, is it possible to make this a default, ie:

write-output "string" | out-file -encoding ascii -append test.bat

[Jeff]

There really isn't a way to change the way the Cmdlet works, but if
this is something you do a lot, a function might be a good way to go:

function Append-Batch( [string] $filename, [string] $command )
{
process
{
$_ | Out-File -FilePath $filename -Append -Encoding Ascii
}

end
{
$command | Out-File -FilePath $filename -Append -Encoding
Ascii
}
}

PSH$ Append-Batch test.bat "@echo off"
PSH$ 'if not "%1"=="" echo %1' | Append-Batch test.bat
PSH$ Get-Content test.bat
@echo off
if not "%1"=="" echo %1

PSH$ .\test.bat howdy
howdy

Jeff

[Marco Shaw [MVP]]

Well if you're willing to run the v2 CTP, this might be possible. I've
not been able to get out-file working, but I think it is just a matter
of time.

You would create a scriptcmdlet, but you'd also have to likely redefine
all of the parameters you might ever use.

Marco

--
Microsoft MVP - Windows PowerShell
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp

PowerGadgets MVP
http://www.powergadgets.com/mvp

Blog:
http://marcoshaw.blogspot.com

[Kiron]

Try this:

Cmdlet Out-AsciiFile
{
param(
[Mandatory][Position(0)][string]$FilePath,
[switch]$Append,
[int]$Width = 80,
[ValueFromPipeline][PSObject]$InputObject,
[switch]$Force,
[switch]$NoClobber
)
$CommandLineParameters['Encoding'] = 'ASCII'
Out-File @CommandLineParameters
}

--
Kiron

[Marco Shaw [MVP]]

Thanks!

PS Kiron: Email me marcoDOTshawATgmailDOTcom

[Kiron]

Cmdlet Out-AsciiFile
{
param(
[Mandatory][Position(0)][string]$FilePath,
[switch]$Append,
[int]$Width = 80,
[ValueFromPipeline][PSObject]$InputObject,
[switch]$Force,
[switch]$NoClobber
)

begin
{
$CommandLineParameters['Encoding'] = 'ASCII'
$wrappedCmdlet = get-command -type cmdlet Out-File
$sb = {&$wrappedCmdlet @CommandLineParameters}
$sp = $sb.GetSteppablePipeline()
$sp.Begin($cmdlet)
}
process
{
$sp.Process($_)
}
end
{
$sp.End()
}
}

--
Kiron