Summary  
This chapter explains how to define, name, and assign variables in code—including data types and naming rules—how to interpolate variable values in printed strings, and how to manage variable scope.

General domain of usage  
Task automation

Watch this video for a visual walkthrough on how to create, name, and use variables in PowerShell. See practical examples of variable assignment, naming rules, and how to use variables in scripts to store and output data.

Variables in PowerShell allow you to store and reuse data throughout your scripts. When naming variables, follow these rules:

```powershell
# Variable interpolation in PowerShell strings
$name = "Sam"
$message = "Welcome, $name!"
Write-Output $message  # Output: Welcome, Sam!
```

- Start the name with a dollar sign (`$`);
- The first character after `$` must be a letter or underscore;
- Use only letters, numbers, and underscores in the name;
- Avoid spaces and special characters;
- Variable names are not case-sensitive.
Variable scope determines where a variable can be accessed. Most variables you create are local to your script or session, but you can specify other scopes like `global:` or `script:` if required.

Which of the following is a valid variable name in PowerShell?

This course introduces the essentials of PowerShell for those new to scripting and automation. You will learn how to run scripts, use basic commands, work with variables and types, manipulate objects, use pipelines, manage files, handle errors, and automate tasks. Each section builds practical skills with clear examples and hands-on code samples.

Learn the foundational skills to start using PowerShell, including running scripts, using commands, and understanding variables and types.

Dive into PowerShell’s object-based approach and learn how to use pipelines to process data efficiently.

Apply PowerShell to manage files, handle errors, and automate everyday tasks with scripts.

Working with Variables