How to Add Objects to an Array of Objects in PowerShell

1. Use the += Operator to Add Objects to an Array of Objects in PowerShell
2. PowerShell Add Object to Array Using the += Operator With an Array
3. Using the += Operator With an ArrayList
4. Using the Add Method With an ArrayList
5. Conclusion

PowerShell, with its versatile scripting capabilities, allows users to manipulate arrays of objects efficiently. Adding objects to an array is a common operation, and there are various methods to achieve this.

Arrays are a data structure that stores a collection of multiple items.

Arrays can contain one or more items in PowerShell. The items can be the same or different types.

They can be a string, an integer, an object, or even another array. A single array can have any combination of these items.

Each item is stored in the index number, which starts at zero. The first item is stored at 0, the second at 1, the third at 2, etc.

An array of objects is a collection of objects. This tutorial will teach you to add objects to an array of objects in PowerShell.

Here is an example of creating an array $data containing objects in Name and Age.

$data = @(
    [pscustomobject]@{Name = 'Rohan'; Age = '21' }
    [pscustomobject]@{Name = 'John'; Age = '30' }
)

Use the += Operator to Add Objects to an Array of Objects in PowerShell

The += operator is a straightforward way to add elements to an array in PowerShell. It works by creating a new array with the additional element(s).

The plus-equals += is used to add items to an array. Every time you use it, it duplicates and creates a new array.

You can use the += to add objects to an array of objects in PowerShell.

The following example adds an array of objects $data.

$data += [pscustomobject]@{Name = 'Sam'; Age = '26' }

Now, check the elements of $data.

$data

Output:

Name  Age
----  ---
Rohan 21
John  30
Sam   26

You can access the objects from an array by enclosing the index number in brackets.

For example:

$data[2]

Output:

Name Age
---- ---
Sam  26

As shown below, the individual objects can be accessed by specifying the property.

$data[2].Name

Output:

Sam

PowerShell Add Object to Array Using the += Operator With an Array

To add multiple elements to an array, the += operator can be combined with another array.

Example Code:

# Existing array
$array = @(1, 2, 3)

# Array of new elements
$newElements = @(4, 5, 6)

# Add new elements to the existing array
$array += $newElements

# Display the updated array
$array

Output:

1
2
3
4
5
6

In this example, we have an existing array $array with elements 1, 2, and 3. We create a new array, $newElements, with elements 4, 5, and 6.

By using the += operator, we add the new elements to the existing array, resulting in an updated array containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Using the += Operator With an ArrayList

The ArrayList class in PowerShell provides a dynamic array that can be modified efficiently.

Example Code:

# Using an ArrayList
$arrayList = New-Object System.Collections.ArrayList
$arrayList.AddRange(@(1, 2, 3))

# Add new elements
$arrayList += 4
$arrayList += 5
$arrayList += 6

# Display the updated ArrayList
$arrayList

Output:

1
2
3
4
5
6

In this example, we create an ArrayList named $arrayList and add initial elements 1, 2, and 3 using the AddRange method.

We then use the += operator to add new elements 4, 5, and 6 to the ArrayList. The result is an updated ArrayList containing all the added elements.

Using the Add Method With an ArrayList

The Add method of an ArrayList allows for adding individual elements, making it useful for dynamic updates.

Example Code:

# Using an ArrayList
$arrayList = New-Object System.Collections.ArrayList
$arrayList.AddRange(@(1, 2, 3))

# Add new elements using the Add method
$arrayList.Add(4)
$arrayList.Add(5)
$arrayList.Add(6)

# Display the updated ArrayList
$arrayList

Output:

3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6

In this example, we create an ArrayList named $arrayList and add initial elements 1, 2, and 3 using the AddRange method.

We then use the Add method to individually add new elements 4, 5, and 6 to the ArrayList. The result is an updated ArrayList containing all the added elements.

Conclusion

This article explores methods for adding objects to an array of objects in PowerShell. It covers the fundamentals of arrays in PowerShell, including their ability to store diverse data types and the use of index numbers for item retrieval.

The primary focus is on adding objects to arrays, and the article introduces various techniques:

1. Using += Operator: This straightforward method involves creating a new array with each addition, suitable for smaller datasets.
2. Combining Arrays with += Operator: Demonstrates the use of += to combine existing arrays with new elements, providing flexibility for dynamic updates.
3. Using ArrayList: Introduces the ArrayList class for more efficient dynamic array manipulation, especially beneficial for larger datasets.
4. Using the Add Method with ArrayList: Illustrates the use of the Add method for individually adding elements to an ArrayList, emphasizing efficiency.

The examples provided showcase the flexibility of PowerShell in managing arrays of objects, and the article emphasizes the importance of selecting the most appropriate method based on performance, simplicity, and type safety considerations. Understanding these methods equips PowerShell users to make informed decisions in array manipulation for various scripting and automation tasks.