Is it possible to call an function nested in another function (PowerShell)?

Question

I'm very used to Python where functions can be put in classes and called separately.

However, now I have to code something in PowerShell and I can't find a way if something similar would be possible here.

An example of what I'm trying to do:

function a {
    Write-Host "a"

    function a_1() { Write-Host "a_1" }

    function a_2() { Write-Host "a_2" }
    
}

a      # Works
a.a_1  # Doesn't works
a_2    # Doesn't works

Only if the inner function have a scope modifier, i.e.: function script:a_1() { ... } or function global:a_2() { ... } — Santiago Squarzon
– Santiago Squarzon, Commented May 17, 2022 at 13:15
You may be looking for PowerShell modules; they don't let you nest functions this way, but they do allow grouping functions together — Jeff Zeitlin
– Jeff Zeitlin, Commented May 17, 2022 at 13:18
This is a scoping issue - the functions a_1 and a_2 are defined in the scope of a, and thus cease to exist once the function returns. You can persist them in the calling scope by using the . dot-source invocation operator: . a; a_1; a_2 — Mathias R. Jessen
– Mathias R. Jessen, Commented May 17, 2022 at 13:20

Remko · Accepted Answer · 2022-05-17 13:31:13Z

5

PowerShell (5 and above) does have support for classes, (see about_Classes) and class methods can be static.

So for example:

class a {
    a() {
        Write-Host "a"
    }
    static [void]a_1()
    {
        Write-Host "a_1"
    }
    static [void]a_2()
    {
        Write-Host "a_2"
    }
}

[a]$a = [a]::new()
[a]::a_1()
[a]::a_2()

Output:

a
a_1
a_2

answered May 17, 2022 at 13:31

Remko

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Comments

HandyGold75 · Accepted Answer · 2022-05-17 13:40:13Z

1

Only if the inner function have a scope modifier, i.e.: function script:a_1() { ... } or function global:a_2() { ... } – Santiago Squarzon

Thanks! This seems close enough to what I'm searching for, in combination with creative naming of the functions this makes it possible to get something I'm used to.

Solution for me:

function a {
    Write-Host "a"

    function script:a.a_1() { Write-Host "a_1" }

    function script:a.a_2() { Write-Host "a_2" }
    
}

a       # Call this so the functions get loaded
a.a_1   # Creative naming so it acts like I need it
a.a_2

answered May 17, 2022 at 13:40

HandyGold75

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1 Comment

Santiago Squarzon Over a year ago

Actually what Mathias suggested is much more elegant than modifying the inner function's scope.

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