Powershell jump to another script

Question

One of the lesser known features of DOS and DOS-like command files is that a line that starts with the name (path) of a batch file transfers control to the new file, with no return (as opposed to the "call" command which returns when execution is complete).

Can I do this with Powershell too? It's a bit like "goto otherscript.ps1" but I know there is no goto in Powershell.

The reason for asking is that I want to update the currently executing script from subversion if changes are available, and then execute the updated file from the top.

Answer 1

You can use dot sourcing to run an external script - eg:

main.ps1

. ".\sub.ps1"

sub.ps1

write-host "aaa"

It's more like an "include" than a goto as it runs in the current script's context and can access / modify variables in the main script:

main.ps1

. ".\sub.ps1"
write-host $x
# ^ outputs "bbb"

sub.ps1

$x = "bbb"
write-host "aaa"

You can prevent the dot sourced script accessing the main script's context if you use the call operator - eg

main.ps1

& { . ".\sub.ps1" }
write-host $x
# ^ outputs a blank line

sub.ps1

$x = "bbb"
write-host "aaa"

If you put an exit after the dot sourced script it'll end the main script and kinda-sorta be like a goto...