When comparing Windows PowerShell in Action vs Mastering PowerShell, the Slant community recommends Windows PowerShell in Action for most people. In the question“What is the best resource to learn PowerShell?” Windows PowerShell in Action is ranked 3rd while Mastering PowerShell is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Windows PowerShell in Action is:
At over 1000 pages long, the layout of "Windows PowerShell in Action" makes it well organized and easy to use as a reference despite the size.
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Pros
Pro Well organized book
At over 1000 pages long, the layout of "Windows PowerShell in Action" makes it well organized and easy to use as a reference despite the size.
Pro Author is a lead PowerShell developer
The author, Bruce Payette, is not only a good teacher and clear writer but also a lead developer on the PowerShell team at Microsoft.
Pro Exhaustive resource on PowerShell
"Windows PowerShell in Action" is a comprehensive resource on PowerShell that covers everything from the history of PowerShell to error handling and security.
Cons
Con Requires programming experience
Where as some resources act as an introduction to both scripting and PowerShell, "Windows PowerShell in Action" requires that the reader already have a scripting or programming background.