You know how in discussion forums, including ScriptingAnswers.com, people are always referring you to Microsoft documentation for more information? Well, if you’ve looked at the official WSH and VBScript documentation, you’ve probably found it lacking any real meat. But we deserve better. I’m starting the last part of a new book from SAPIEN Press called WSH and VBScript Core: TFM which will replace that documentation with something of (I hope) real value. If you follow the book title link, you can view the table of contents and download a sample chapter. Please keep in mind that the chapter sample is a work in progress. It has not been edited or reviewed but we wanted to give you a taste of what to expect.
The book will cover every VBScript/WSH 5.6 function, statement, object, property and method. This includes the FileSystem, Dictionary and ScriptSigner objects. Unlike the Microsoft documentation, which I believe was written more for developers than administrators, I’m going to provide meaty, real-world and practical examples just about everywhere I can.
The book on one level is intended as a reference guide. But I think you could read it from start to finish and learn quite a bit about VBScript and Windows Script Host. I have to admit that I’ve even learned a few things in the course of writing this book. I certainly feel I know VBScript inside and out now.
“But what about PowerShell? Why do I need a VBScript/WSH book?”
PowerShell is a great management tool. No doubt about it. It’s the future. But it doesn’t do everything and isn’t always the right tool for the job. I truly believe VBScript and WSH will be around for a while and that they’ll always have a place in the administrator’s toolbox. Otherwise I wouldn’t be spending all this time and energy on creating what I hope will be a valuable reference.
I’m planning on finishing by the end of Spring. Then its on to tech review, copy edit and the regular production process. I don’t know of an official publication date, so don’t hold this against me, but I’d hope you could see the title this fall. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.
