Correctly return array in powershell

Question

I am new to powershell an tried a function which generates an array.

function array_create {
    $array = [System.Collections.ArrayList]@()
    $array.Add('hello')
    $array.Add('world')
    return $array
}

$arr = array_create
foreach($a in $arr){
   $a
}

even if I put @() arround the function call the output is

0
1
hello
world

how would I correctly return an array with only values (no numbers) and why does this happen ?

[void]$array.Add('hello') or $null = $array.Add('hello') — JosefZ
– JosefZ, Commented May 19, 2020 at 9:37
Does this answer your question? Prevent ArrayList.Add() from returning the index — RoadRunner
– RoadRunner, Commented May 19, 2020 at 9:40
Thanks RoadRunner that actually did answer the question. Sorry Didn't find it before — user3732793
– user3732793, Commented May 19, 2020 at 9:54

JosefZ · Accepted Answer · 2020-05-19 09:45:40Z

2

It's because the Add method of ArrayList Class returns an [int] value:

$array = [System.Collections.ArrayList]@()
$array.Add

OverloadDefinitions
-------------------
int Add(System.Object value)
int IList.Add(System.Object value)

Use [void]$array.Add('hello') or $null = $array.Add('hello').

The $array.Add('hello') | Out-Null is possible but not recommended in loops for its negative performance impact.

answered May 19, 2020 at 9:45

JosefZ

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1 Comment

user3732793 Over a year ago

Thanks JosefZ for the hint and the explenation

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