Dave Carroll
PowerShell Developer, Senior DevOps Engineer, Human (he/him)
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Dave Carroll brings 30+ years of IT experience across public and private sectors, starting his PowerShell journey in 2010. Currently a Senior DevOps Engineer in finance, he specializes in automation with PowerShell and Python. Passionate about sharing knowledge, Dave contributes regularly to the PowerShell community through book chapters, presentations at PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, and speaking at other various PowerShell events.
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Not Everything's a Nail: Mastering Data Structures & Algorithms in PowerShell
Not every problem is a nail, and not every solution is a hammer! In this highly interactive session, we’ll delve into the often-overlooked power of data structures and algorithms in PowerShell. Discover how to go beyond the basics as we demystify essential structures like arrays, hash tables, and lists, then explore advanced tools like stacks, queues, and trees. You’ll also gain hands-on experience implementing algorithms for sorting, searching, and even pathfinding, unlocking new levels of efficiency and elegance in your scripts.
Whether you're automating complex tasks, tackling intricate challenges, or simply eager to elevate your PowerShell game, this session offers a unique blend of theory and practical application. Leave with an expanded toolkit and the confidence to approach any problem with the right solution—not just a hammer.
This session is ideal for intermediate to advanced PowerShell users who want to go beyond basic scripting and explore the hidden potential of data structures and algorithms. DevOps engineers looking to optimize workflows with efficient data manipulation will find it highly beneficial, as will IT professionals seeking to enhance system management and automation scripts. Scripting enthusiasts eager to master PowerShell’s capabilities and tackle more complex challenges will find the content especially rewarding.
A 4-hour workshop is recommended to provide ample time for both theory and hands-on practice. The first half will focus on foundational concepts, covering essential data structures such as arrays, hash tables, stacks, queues, and trees, alongside key algorithms like sorting, searching, and pathfinding. The second half will be dedicated to practical exercises, allowing participants to apply these concepts in real-world PowerShell scripting scenarios.
Participants will leave the session with the skills to select and implement appropriate data structures for specific tasks, efficiently manipulate arrays, hash tables, stacks, and queues within PowerShell, and integrate advanced algorithms to streamline complex automation workflows. Attendees should have PowerShell 7 or higher installed and access to a text editor like Visual Studio Code with the PowerShell extension. A basic understanding of PowerShell scripting is recommended to get the most out of the session.
Let's Talk
In this informal and interactive session, Summit speakers will step away from technology to focus on the human side of IT. Through open dialogue and shared stories, we’ll explore what it takes to build a thriving community, navigate career challenges, and foster personal growth through self-discovery and introspection.
This is more than a panel—it’s a conversation, where audience participation is encouraged through questions and shared experiences. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or connection, join us for a heartfelt exploration of the paths that shape our professional and personal journeys.
This session is designed for professionals at any stage of their career who are seeking to connect with others, gain insights into personal and professional growth, and explore the value of community in the IT world. It is particularly suited for those navigating transitions, overcoming challenges, or striving to balance technical skills with interpersonal development.
The panel will feature Summit speakers with diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.
Audience participation is welcome and encouraged, as this session benefits from shared stories, questions, and discussions. However, those who prefer to listen and reflect are equally valued participants. While there are no technical requirements, attendees are invited to approach the session with an open mind and a willingness to explore new perspectives.
A 60–75 minute duration is recommended to allow for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.
Writing Cross-Platform PowerShell
Since its release in March 2020, PowerShell 7 has transformed the scripting landscape by introducing official cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions, significantly reducing the barrier to adoption for developers and IT professionals in diverse environments. In this session, we’ll explore how to write OS-agnostic PowerShell scripts that seamlessly support these platforms, including practical techniques for handling OS-specific differences with clean, maintainable code. By learning to maintain consistency and eliminate redundant scripts, you can empower your automation to thrive in a multi-platform world. Whether you're managing systems or building robust tools, this session will help you unlock the full potential of PowerShell 7.
This session is designed for IT professionals, developers, and system administrators who want to expand their PowerShell skills for multi-platform environments. A basic understanding of PowerShell scripting is helpful but not required.
This session was first delivered at "PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2024".
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