Exploring the Features and Benefits of the PsWriteHTML PowerShell Module

PowerShell users often face the challenge of creating clear, well-formatted HTML reports without spending hours on manual coding. The PsWriteHTML module offers a practical solution by simplifying the process of generating HTML content directly from PowerShell scripts. This post explores the key features of PsWriteHTML and explains how it can improve your scripting workflow.

Example of an HTML report created using PsWriteHTML PowerShell module

What Is PsWriteHTML and Why Use It?

PsWriteHTML is a PowerShell module designed to help users create HTML documents with ease. Instead of writing raw HTML code, you can use simple PowerShell commands to build tables, charts, and styled text. This makes it easier to generate reports, dashboards, or any web-based content directly from your scripts.

The module supports a wide range of HTML elements and CSS styling options, allowing you to customize the output to fit your needs. Whether you want to create a quick status report or a detailed interactive dashboard, PsWriteHTML provides the tools to do it efficiently.

Key Features of PsWriteHTML

Easy HTML Generation with PowerShell Commands

PsWriteHTML abstracts the complexity of HTML by providing PowerShell functions that correspond to HTML elements. For example, you can create tables, paragraphs, headers, and lists with simple commands. This approach reduces errors and speeds up report creation.

Support for Interactive Elements

The module supports interactive features such as collapsible sections, tabs, and charts. This means you can build dynamic reports that users can explore without leaving the page. For instance, you can add charts using Google Charts or Chart.js libraries integrated within the HTML output.

Customizable Styling and Themes

You can apply CSS styles directly within your PowerShell script to control the appearance of your HTML reports. PsWriteHTML allows you to define colors, fonts, and layouts, making it easy to match your organization’s branding or personal preferences.

Exporting and Sharing Reports

Once generated, the HTML reports can be saved as standalone files. These files can be shared via email, hosted on web servers, or embedded in other documents. Because the output is standard HTML, it works across all modern browsers without additional software.

Practical Examples of Using PsWriteHTML

Creating a Simple System Report

Imagine you want to generate a report showing disk space usage on several servers. With PsWriteHTML, you can collect the data using PowerShell cmdlets and then build an HTML table to display the results.

```powershell

Import-Module PsWriteHTML

$servers = @("Server1", "Server2", "Server3")

$report = New-HTML -Title "Disk Space Report"

foreach ($server in $servers) {

$disks = Get-WmiObject Win32_LogicalDisk -ComputerName $server -Filter "DriveType=3"

foreach ($disk in $disks) {

$report | Add-HTMLTableRow -Data @($server, $disk.DeviceID, $disk.FreeSpace / 1GB)

}

}

$report | Out-HTML -FilePath "DiskSpaceReport.html"

```

This script gathers disk information and creates a neat table in an HTML file, ready to be viewed in any browser.

Adding Charts to Visualize Data

PsWriteHTML supports embedding charts to make data easier to understand. For example, you can create a pie chart showing the percentage of free space on each disk.

```powershell

$chartData = @(

@{ Label = "C:"; Value = 40 }

@{ Label = "D:"; Value = 60 }

)

$report | Add-HTMLChart -Type Pie -Data $chartData -Title "Disk Free Space"

```

This feature helps turn raw numbers into visual insights without needing to learn JavaScript or HTML chart libraries.

Benefits of Using PsWriteHTML in Your Workflow

Saves Time and Reduces Errors

Writing HTML manually can be tedious and prone to mistakes. PsWriteHTML automates much of this work, letting you focus on the data and logic rather than formatting details.

Makes Reports More Accessible

HTML reports created with PsWriteHTML are easy to share and view on any device with a web browser. This accessibility improves communication and decision-making across teams.

Encourages Reusable Scripts

Because PsWriteHTML commands are modular, you can build reusable templates for common reports. This consistency saves effort and ensures your reports maintain a professional look.

Supports Automation

You can integrate PsWriteHTML into scheduled PowerShell scripts to generate reports automatically. For example, daily system health reports or weekly sales summaries can be created without manual intervention.

Tips for Getting Started with PsWriteHTML

• Start with simple reports to get familiar with the module’s commands.

• Use the built-in examples and documentation to explore advanced features like charts and tabs.

• Experiment with CSS styling to customize the look and feel of your reports.

• Combine PsWriteHTML with other PowerShell modules to gather data from various sources.

  
  

PsWriteHTML is actively maintained and has a helpful community, so you can find support and updates as you use it.