How do I create powershell 2.0 modules?

Question

I've heard powershell 2.0 CTP has modules, but I can't find much example code or instructions. I've read what little help there seems to be online...

But I just keep getting "The term 'Add-Module' is not recognized as a cmdlet..." when I try and load a module.

Any help would be gratefully received!

Edit (July 2010) Please note this question is based on powershell 2.0 CTP and is therefore a year and half out of date! Please see Samuel Jack's answer for help with the powershell 2.0 RTM.

Answer 1

With the Win7 build, Add-Module is gone. The new cmdlet is Import-Module. The easiest way to create a module is rename a PS1 file to a PSM1 file. From there you can do all sorts of things including the module manifest.

Answer 2

I'm no Powershell expert, but here's what I just figured out using PowerShell 2.0 RTM.

Suppose you want to create a module called MyModule:

1. Make sure that you have created the folder %My Documents%\WindowsPowershell\Modules
2. Create a folder inside Modules called MyModule
3. Put your code in a file inside MyModule and name the file MyModule.psm1
4. Remember to use the Export-ModuleMember command as the last thing in your script file. Export-ModuleMember -Function * -Alias * will export all functions and aliases
5. In scripts where you want to use the module, use the command Import-Module MyModule

By default Powershell is configured not to run any kinds of scripts from files, so you need to alter the security settings. Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted will get you going if you're not concerned about scripts needing to be signed.