The PowerShell Podcast

Unlocking Automation with AI Shell and Desired State Configuration with Jason Helmick

Listen Later
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
          • ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store
          The PowerShell PodcastBy PDQ.com
          • 4.9
          • 4.9
          • 4.9
          • 4.9
          • 4.9

          4.9

          31 ratings

          More shows like The PowerShell Podcast

          View all
          Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman by Scott Hanselman

          Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman

          379 Listeners

          The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source by Changelog Media

          The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

          291 Listeners

          Security Now (Audio) by TWiT

          Security Now (Audio)

          2,001 Listeners

          Windows Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

          Windows Weekly (Audio)

          879 Listeners

          Software Engineering Daily by Software Engineering Daily

          Software Engineering Daily

          625 Listeners

          Risky Business by Patrick Gray

          Risky Business

          375 Listeners

          RunAs Radio by Richard Campbell

          RunAs Radio

          83 Listeners

          SANS Internet Stormcenter Daily Cyber Security Podcast (Stormcast) by Johannes B. Ullrich

          SANS Internet Stormcenter Daily Cyber Security Podcast (Stormcast)

          637 Listeners

          CyberWire Daily by N2K Networks

          CyberWire Daily

          1,017 Listeners

          Click Here by Recorded Future News

          Click Here

          416 Listeners

          Darknet Diaries by Jack Rhysider

          Darknet Diaries

          8,010 Listeners

          CoRecursive: Coding Stories by Adam Gordon Bell - Software Developer

          CoRecursive: Coding Stories

          188 Listeners

          Tech Brew Ride Home by Morning Brew

          Tech Brew Ride Home

          968 Listeners

          The Real Python Podcast by Real Python

          The Real Python Podcast

          141 Listeners

          Hacker And The Fed by Chris Tarbell & Hector Monsegur

          Hacker And The Fed

          168 Listeners