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Listen "Unlocking Automation with AI Shell and Desired State Configuration with Jason Helmick"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we’re live from TechMentor at the Microsoft campus with two incredible guests: longtime advocate, educator, and PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft - Jason Helmick and newcomer Troy Brown. This special episode captures the heart of community, innovation, and the transformative power of PowerShell—from seasoned insight to beginner breakthroughs.
Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies:
AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts.
DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what’s next for the configuration platform.
Highlights:
Microsoft’s hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall!
The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity
AI Shell’s support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents
Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature
Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet
The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success
Troy Brown's First TechMentor Experience
First-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell:
How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules
The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential
Navigating the learning curve with community support
His message to fellow newcomers: “Don’t take things personally, and embrace the journey.”
Resource Links:
DSC v3 on GitHub
Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook
The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592
https://discord.gg/pdq
The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI
The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast
Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies:
AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts.
DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what’s next for the configuration platform.
Highlights:
Microsoft’s hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall!
The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity
AI Shell’s support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents
Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature
Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet
The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success
Troy Brown's First TechMentor Experience
First-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell:
How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules
The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential
Navigating the learning curve with community support
His message to fellow newcomers: “Don’t take things personally, and embrace the journey.”
Resource Links:
DSC v3 on GitHub
Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook
The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592
https://discord.gg/pdq
The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI
The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast
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