I'm trying to figure out the best method to create a directory in PowerShell. I have two approaches in mind:
1. Using this straightforward method:
```
$DestDir = C:TempSubDir
New-Item -Path $DestDir -Force -ItemType Directory
```
2. Or, using a more explicit method:
```
$DestDir = C:TempSubDir
New-Item -Path (Split-Path $DestDir) -Name (Split-Path $DestDir -Leaf) -ItemType Directory -Force
```
Usually, I go for the first option because it seems simpler, but I'm starting to think the second method might be better for accuracy. Is it safe to rely on the first option to understand that the last part of the path is the folder I want to create, or is there something I'm missing? (Assuming that C:Temp already exists, of course.)
5 Answers
Honestly, I’d stick with the first script. It's straightforward and avoids unnecessary complexity.
Thanks for bringing this up! I encounter a lot of issues with temp directories in our O365 audits, and sometimes they aren't created automatically. This is useful info for my scripts!
Why not just use this approach to create a temp file?
```powershell
$tempFile = [System.IO.Path]::GetTempFileName()
Write-Host "Temp file created at: $tempFile"
``` It will create a temp file without needing to worry about folder structure.
I'm actually looking for a specific directory for storing files, not a temp file! My question is about the best way to use New-Item.
I actually prefer being more explicit. Using the `Split-Path` might seem safer, but it can lead to confusion if you change the destination path later on. For clarity, I'd suggest:
```powershell
$DestDir = 'C:Temp'
$DestFolder = 'SubDir'
New-Item -Path $DestDir -Name $DestFolder -Force -ItemType Directory
``` This way, you can independently manage the directory path and name without risking ambiguity.
I think the first example is perfectly fine! It’s simpler and easier to read. Plus, the New-Item cmdlet will still create any parent directories that don't exist, like the C:Temp folder. So, you should be good to go!
Exactly! Keeping it simple is sometimes the best approach.
Good point! Just remember that `$env:temp` gives you the actual temp directory location.