How to set the exit code when throwing an exception

Question

MyScript.ps1:

exit 1 

MyThrow.ps1:

throw "test" 

Execution in PowerShell:

& ".\MyScript.ps1" Write-Host $LastExitCode # Outputs 1  Clear-Variable LastExitCode  & ".\MyThrow.ps1" Write-Host $LastExitCode # Outputs nothing 

How do I set a proper exit code when throwing an exception?

Answer 1

You don't. When you throw an exception you expect someone to handle it. That someone would be the one to terminate execution and set an exit code. For instance:

try {   & ".\MyThrow.ps1" } catch {   exit 1 } 

If there is nothing to catch your exception you shouldn't be throwing it in the first place, but exit right away (with a proper exit code).

Answer 2

Becareful:

With Powershell 4 and less:

When an exception is thrown, exit code remains at 0 (unfortunately)

With Powershell 5 and up:

When an exception is thrown, exit code defaults to 1