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AndrewX's avatar
AndrewX
Iron Contributor
Oct 28, 2018

Quick variable validation

Hello, 

 

I am working on a function, i'm at a point where i have two variables, only one of them will have a value, the other is $null.  I want to use the variable that has a value in the following code.  What is the fastest or most efficient, or best way to determine this.

 

I know i can do an if-else condition, but i'd prefer something more classy if possible.  My mind is wondering if there is such a thing as "for which ever of these two vars has a value, do this"

Windows PowerShell

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  • Mike Shivtorov's avatar
    Mike Shivtorov
    Copper Contributor
    Oct 29, 2018

    you can use "-ne" operator.

     

     

    Examples:

    PS C:\> ($null,10,$null,20 -ne $null)[0]
    10
    PS C:\>
    PS C:\>
    PS C:\> $a1=$null
    PS C:\> $a2=2
    PS C:\> ($a1,$a2 -ne $null)[0]
    2

     

    Explanation:

    1) comma ',' operation creates array from your values/variables. Result: array with some null elements 

    2) '-ne' operator filter out null values. Result: array with only not-null elements

    3) '[]' operator will take the 1st element from the array produced at step 2

    Requirements:

    Code assumes at least one variable is not null.

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