How to declare an array of strings (on multiple lines)

Question

Why does $dlls.Count return a single element? I try to declare my array of strings as such:

$basePath = Split-Path $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path

$dlls = @(
    $basePath + "\bin\debug\dll1.dll",
    $basePath + "\bin\debug\dll2.dll",
    $basePath + "\bin\debug\dll3.dll"
)

Answer 1

You should use something like:

$dlls = @(
    ($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll1.dll"),
    ($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll2.dll"),
    ($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll3.dll")
)

or

$dlls = @(
    $($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll1.dll"),
    $($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll2.dll"),
    $($basePath + "\bin\debug\dll3.dll")
)

As your answer shows, the semicolons also work because that marks the end of a statement...that would be evaluated, similar to using parenthesis.

Alternatively, use another pattern like:

$dlls = @()
$dlls += "...."

But then you might want to use ArrayList and gain performance benefits...

See PowerShell array initialization