PowerShell alias - No restrictions on name

Question

I have written a simple SetDifference function, by using the Compare-Object function:

Function SetDifference {
    param(
    [Parameter(Mandatory=$true)]$ReferenceObject,
    [Parameter(Mandatory=$true)]$DifferenceObject
    )

    Compare-Object $ReferenceObject $DifferenceObject | 
    Where-Object { $_.SideIndicator -eq '<=' } | 
    ForEach-Object { $_.InputObject }
}

I've noticed that ANY alias can be used without PowerShell complaining:

Set-Alias '\' 'SetDifference'
Set-Alias '.' 'SetDifference'
Set-Alias '+' 'SetDifference'

Shouldn't there be restrictions on what the alias name can be - to stop you from using symbols that are already part of PowerShell syntax?

To stop you from using symbols that are part of the PowerShell language — Tahir Hassan
– Tahir Hassan, Commented Mar 2, 2016 at 12:59
Why do you need someone to stop you. Just do not do that. Aliases can not redefine meaning of symbols anyway, them only affect command name resolution. — user4003407
– user4003407, Commented Mar 2, 2016 at 13:09

Martin · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-02 13:01:33Z

1

You should get an error, when using i.e. the '+'.

See here, you should follow this: "You can use any alphanumeric characters in an alias, but the first character cannot be a number."

Also resuing an already defined alias will throw an error.

answered Mar 2, 2016 at 13:01

Martin

1,9933 gold badges17 silver badges23 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

NetMage Over a year ago

Sadly that isn't true - for example % and ? are aliases, and you can create your own ?? alias for example.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

PowerShell alias - No restrictions on name

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related