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Get name of the PowerShell script file inside the script

Thomas Maurer
Updated
1–2 minutes
9 comments on Get name of the PowerShell script file inside the script
PowerShell

When you create a PowerShell script you sometimes want to create some output for a log file for example. In many cases, it makes sense to use the script file name for the log file so you can easily see from which .ps1 the .log file was generated for example. To get the name of the PowerShell ps1. file you can use the following command from MyInvocation:

$MyInvocation.MyCommand

This will return the ps1. file object. To get only the name string you could use:

$MyInvocation.MyCommand.Name

To create a log file with the script file name you could use the following commands:

$path = Get-Location
$scriptName = $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Name
$scriptLog = "$path\$scriptName.log"
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Thomas Maurer
Thomas is the EMEA Global Black Belt (GBB) for Sovereign Cloud at Microsoft, helping organizations across the region harness Microsoft’s sovereign, hybrid, multicloud, and edge solutions. He works directly with C-level leaders and technical teams to remove roadblocks, accelerate digital transformation, and shape long-term cloud strategies that meet business and regulatory needs. With over 15 years of experience in cloud and datacenter, including his previous role as Principal Program Manager and Chief Evangelist for Azure Hybrid, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for customer success. He specializes in creating scalable architectures, solution accelerators, and thought leadership that drive adoption and innovation on Azure. Thomas is a passionate community advocate and frequently speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite and Microsoft TechDays. He shares his expertise through his Cloud and Datacenter Blog at www.thomasmaurer.ch and on LinkedIn and X.com www.twitter.com/thomasmaurer.

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9 responses

  1. Claudio Spizzi Avatar
    Claudio Spizzi

    The Get-Location command returns the path where the shell lives. This can ne diffetent to the script location.

    So if you want store the log allways in the same location as the scirpts, us one of the following:
    $PSScriptRoot
    Split-Path -Path $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path

    Reply
  2. Daniel Avatar
    Daniel

    Yes. I use this in scripts that generate email reports. Handy to be able to track down which script was responsible for the email.

    Reply
  3. stephane Avatar
    stephane

    Hi thomas,

    To complete your article, I think it is important to add that the $MyInvocation automatic variable contain information about the invoker or calling script, not the current script. (Nested script scenarios for example).

    The $PSScriptRoot though, returns the current script root of the current script. Also,$PSScriptRoot works only for modules in PS version 2.0. It works in every script from Powershell version 3.0 and above.

    If you are launching your script from the ISE and it is not saved, it wont work. You can then use $psISE.CurrentFile.FullPath to get the path of the current active tab.

    Cheers

    Reply
  4. Vaibhav Avatar
    Vaibhav

    Hi,
    Can anyone tell me how to get the PID of the script inside the script.

    Thanks,

    Reply
  5. David Wallis Avatar
    David Wallis

    Just stumbled on this looking for somehting else, but @Vaibhav $pid

    Reply
  6. logg.sar Avatar
    logg.sar

    Hi

    this returns a file called script.ps1.log

    I prefer

    $scriptLog = ($scriptName).Replace(“ps1″,”log”)

    Reply
  7. Ian Manning Avatar
    Ian Manning

    Thanks for this blog post, really helpful!

    Reply
    1. Thomas Maurer Avatar
      Thomas Maurer

      Thank you :)

      Reply
  8. JGStew Avatar
    JGStew

    This got me on the right path, but ended up using:

    ($MyInvocation.MyCommand.Source + “.log”)

    Reply

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