What is the difference between local and global variables in PowerShell?

What is the difference between local and global variables in PowerShell?

In PowerShell, local variables are accessible only within the scope they are defined, while global variables can be accessed from anywhere in the script or session.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! A local variable can be defined like this: $localVar = 'I am local'. A global variable would be defined as $global:globalVar = 'I am global'.

When should I use global variables?

Global variables are useful when you need to share data across different functions or scripts, but they can lead to conflicts if not managed carefully.

Are there any downsides to using global variables?

Yes, global variables can make debugging harder and can lead to unintended side effects if multiple scripts modify the same variable.