Cmdlet Verbs

Note:
Windows PowerShell uses the term verb to describe a word that implies an action even if that word is not a standard verb in the English language. For example, the term New is a valid Windows PowerShell verb name because it implies an action even though it is not a verb in the English language.

The following list provides guidelines to consider when you choose the verb for a cmdlet name:

When you specify the verb, we recommend that you use one of the predefined verb names provided by Windows PowerShell. When you use a predefined verb, you ensure consistency between the cmdlets that you create, the cmdlets that are provided by Windows PowerShell, and the cmdlets that are designed by others.
Use the predefined verbs to describe the general scope of the action, and use parameters to further refine the action of the cmdlet.
To enforce consistency across cmdlets, do not use a synonym of an approved verb.
Use only the form of each verb that is listed in this topic. For example, use "Get", but do not use "Getting" or "Gets".
Use Pascal casing for verbs.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsCommon enumeration class to define generic actions that can apply to almost any cmdlet. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Add	Adds a resource to a container, or attaches an item to another item. For example, the Add-Content cmdlet adds content to a file. This verb is paired with Remove.	Do not use verbs such as Append, Attach, Concatenate, or Insert.
Clear	Removes all the resources from a container but does not delete the container. For example, the Clear-Content cmdlet removes the contents of a file but does not delete the file.	Do not use verbs such as Flush, Erase, Release, Unmark, Unset, or Nullify.
Close	Changes the state of a resource to make it inaccessible, unavailable, or unusable. This verb is paired with Open.
Copy	Copies a resource to another name or to another container. For example, the Copy-Item cmdlet that is used to access stored data copies an item from one location in the data store to another location.	Do not use verbs such as Duplicate, Clone, or Replicate.
Enter	Specifies an action that allows the user to move into a resource. For example, the Enter-PSSession cmdlet places the user in an interactive session. This verb is paired with Exit.	Do not use verbs such as Push or Into.
Exit	Sets the current environment or context to the most recently used context. For example, the Exit-PSSession cmdlet places the user in the session that was used to start the interactive session. This verb is paired with Enter.	Do not use verbs such as Pop or Out.
Get	Retrieves a resource. For example, the Get-Content cmdlet retrieves the content of a file. This verb is paired with Set.	Do not use verbs such as Read, Open, Cat, Type, Dir, Obtain, Dump, Acquire, Examine, Find, or Search.
Find	Looks for an object in a container that is unknown, implied, optional, or specified.
Format	Arranges objects in a specified form or layout.
Get	Specifies an action that retrieves a resource. This verb is paired with Set.	Do not use verbs such as Read, Open, Cat, Type, Dir, Obtain, Dump, Acquire, Examine, Find, or Search for this action.
Hide	Makes a resource undetectable. For example, a cmdlet whose name includes the Hide verb might conceal a service from a user. This verb is paired with Show.	Do not use a verb such as Block.
Join	Combines resources into one resource. For example, the Join-Path cmdlet combines a path with one of its child paths to create a single path. This verb is paired with Split.	Do not use verbs such as Combine, Unite, Connect, or Associate.
Lock	Secures a resource. This verb is paired with Unlock.	Do not use verbs such as Restrict or Secure.
Move	Moves a resource from one location to another. For example, the Move-Item cmdlet moves an item from one location in the data store to another location.	Do not use verbs such as Transfer, Name, or Migrate.
New	Creates an empty resource that is not associated with any content. (If it does not make sense to create the resource without providing initial data, use the Set verb instead).	Do not use verbs such as Create, Generate, Build, Make, or Allocate.
Open	Changes the state of a resource to make it accessible, available, or usable. This verb is paired with Close.
Pop	Removes an item from the top of a stack. For example, the Pop-Location cmdlet changes the current location to the location that was most recently pushed onto the stack.
Push	Adds an item to the top of a stack. For example, the Push-Location cmdlet pushes the current location onto the stack.
Redo	Resets a resource to the state that was undone.
Remove	Deletes a resource from a container. For example, the Remove-Variable cmdlet deletes a variable and its value. This verb is paired with Add.	Do not use verbs such as Clear, Cut, Dispose, Discard, or Erase.
Rename	Changes the name of a resource. For example, the Rename-Item cmdlet, which is used to access stored data, changes the name of an item in the data store.	Do not use a verb such as Change.
Reset	Sets a resource back to its original state.
Search	Creates a reference to a resource in a container.	Do not use verbs such as Find or Locate.
Select	Locates a resource in a container. For example, the Select-String cmdlet finds text in strings and files.	Do not use verbs such as Find or Locate.
Set	Creates a resource that contains some data, or replaces data on an existing resource. (Use this verb if it makes no sense to create the resource without attaching data. To create the resource without attaching content, use the New verb. For example, the Set-Date cmdlet changes the system time on the local computer. This verb is paired with Get.	Do not use verbs such as Write, Reset, Assign, or Configure.
Show	Makes a resource visible to the user. This verb is paired with Hide.	Do not use verbs such as Display or Produce.
Skip	Separates parts of a resource. For example, the Split-Path cmdlet returns different parts of a path. This verb is paired with Join.	Do not use a verb such as Separate.
Split	Specifies an action that separates parts of a resource. This verb is paired with Join.	Do not use a verb such Separate.
Step	Moves to the next point or resource in a sequence.
Switch	Specifies an action that alternates between two resources, such as to change between two locations, responsibilities, or states.
Undo	Sets a resource to its previous state.
Unlock	Releases a resource that was locked. This verb is paired with Lock.	Do not use verbs such as Release, Unrestrict, or Unsecure.
Watch	Continually inspects or monitors a resource for changes.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsCommunications class to define actions that apply to communications. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Connect	Creates a link between a source and a destination. This verb is paired with Disconnect.	Do not use verbs such as Join or Telnet.
Disconnect	Breaks the link between a source and a destination. This verb is paired with Connect.	Do not use verbs such as Break or Logoff.
Read	Acquires information from a source. This verb is paired with Write.	Do not use verbs such as Acquire, Prompt, or Get.
Receive	Accepts information sent from a source. This verb is paired with Send.	Do not use verbs such as Read, Accept, or Peek.
Send	Delivers information to a destination. This verb is paired with Receive.	Do not use verbs such as Put, Broadcast, Mail, or Fax.
Write	Adds information to a target. This verb is paired with Read.	Do not use verbs such as Put or Print.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsData class to define actions that apply to data handling. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb Name	Action	Comments
Backup	Stores data by replicating it.	Do not use verbs such as Save or Burn.
Checkpoint	Creates a snapshot of the current state of the data or of its configuration.	Do not use a verb such as Diff.
Compare	Evaluates the data from one resource against the data from another resource.	Do not use a verb such as Diff.
Compress	Compacts the data of a resource. Pairs with Expand.	Do not use a verb such as Compact.
Convert	Changes the data from one representation to another when the cmdlet supports bidirectional conversion or when the cmdlet supports conversion between multiple data types.	Do not use verbs such as Change, Resize, or Resample.
ConvertFrom	Converts one primary type of input (the cmdlet noun indicates the input) to one or more supported output types.	Do not use verbs such as Export, Output, or Out.
ConvertTo	Converts from one or more types of input to a primary output type (the cmdlet noun indicates the output type).	Do not use verbs such as Import, Input, or In.
Dismount	Detaches a named entity from a location. This verb is paired with Mount.	Do not use a verb such as Unlink.
Edit	Modifies existing data by adding or removing content.	Do not use verbs such as Change, Update, or Modify for this action.
Expand	Restores the data of a resource that has been compressed to its original state. This verb is paired with Compress.	Do not use a verb such as Explode.
Export	Encapsulates the primary input into a persistent data store, such as a file, or into an interchange format. This verb is paired with Import.	Do not use verbs such as Extract or Backup.
Group	Arranges or associates one or more resources.	Do not use verbs such as Aggregate, Arrange, Associate, or Correlate.
Import	Creates a resource from data that is stored in a persistent data store (such as a file) or in an interchange format. For example, the Import-CSV cmdlet imports data from a comma-separated value (CSV) file to objects that can be used by other cmdlets. This verb is paired with Export.	Do not use verbs such as BulkLoad or Load.
Initialize	Prepares a resource for use, and sets it to a default state.	Do not use verbs such as Erase, Renew, Rebuild, Reinitialize, or Setup.
Limit	Applies constraints to a resource.	Do not use a verb such as Quota.
Merge	Creates a single resource from multiple resources.	Do not use verbs such as Combine or Join.
Mount	Attaches a named entity to a location. This verb is paired with Dismount.
Out	Sends data out of the environment. For example, the Out-Printer cmdlet sends data to a printer.
Publish	Makes a resource available to others. This verb is paired with Unpublish.	Do not use verbs such as Deploy, Release, or Install.
Restore	Sets a resource to a predefined state, such as a state set by Checkpoint. For example, the Restore-Computer cmdlet starts a system restore on the local computer.	Do not use verbs such as Repair, Return, Undo, or Fix.
Save	Preserves data to avoid loss.
Sync	Assures that two or more resources are in the same state.	Do not use verbs such as Coerce, or Match.
Unpublish	Makes a resource unavailable to others. This verb is paired with Publish.	Do not use verbs such as Uninstall, Revert, or Hide.
Update	Sets a resource to a new state. For example, the Update-FormatData cmdlet updates and adds formatting files to the current Windows PowerShell console.	Do not use verbs such as Refresh, Renew, Recalculate, or Re-index.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsDiagnostic class to define actions that apply to diagnostics. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Debug	Examines a resource to diagnose operational problems.	Do not use a verb such as Diagnose.
Measure	Identifies resources that are consumed by a specified operation, or retrieves statistics about a resource.	Do not use verbs such as Calculate, Determine, or Analyze.
Ping	Determines if a resource is active and if it is responding to requests.	Do not use verbs such as Connect or Test.
Repair	Restores a resource to a usable condition	Do not use verbs such as Fix or Restore.
Resolve	Maps a shorthand representation of a resource to a more complete representation.	Do not use verbs such as Expand or Determine.
Test	Verifies the operation or consistency of a resource.	Do not use verbs such as Diagnose, Analyze, Salvage, or Verify.
Trace	Tracks the activities of a resource.	Do not use verbs such as Track, Follow, Inspect, or Dig.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsLifeCycle class to define actions that apply to the lifecycle of a cmdlet. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Approve	Confirms or agrees to the status of a resource or process.
Assert	Affirms the state of a resource.	Do not use a verb such as Certify.
Complete	Concludes an operation.
Confirm	Acknowledges, verifies, or validates the state of a resource or process.	Do not use verbs such as Acknowledge, Agree, Certify, Validate, or Verify.
Deny	Refuses, objects, blocks, or opposes the state of a resource or process.	Do not use verbs such as Block, Object, Refuse, or Reject.
Disable	Configures a resource to an unavailable or inactive state. For example, the Disable-PSBreakpoint cmdlet makes a breakpoint inactive. This verb is paired with Enable.	Do not use verbs such as Halt or Hide.
Enable	Configures a resource to an available or active state. For example, the Enable-PSBreakpoint cmdlet makes a breakpoint active. This verb is paired with Disable.	Do not use verbs such as Start or Begin.
Install	Places a resource in a location, and optionally initializes it. This verb is paired with Uninstall.	Do not a use verb such as Setup.
Invoke	Performs an action, such as running a command or a method.	Do not use verbs such as Run or Start.
Register	Creates an entry for a resource in a repository such as a database. This verb is paired with Unregister.
Request	Asks for a resource or asks for permissions.
Restart	Stops an operation and then starts it again. For example, the Restart-Service cmdlet stops and then starts a service.	Do not use a verb such as Recycle.
Resume	Starts an operation that has been suspended. For example, the Resume-Service cmdlet starts a service that has been suspended. This verb is paired with Suspend.
Start	Initiates an operation. For example, the Start-Service cmdlet starts a service. This verb is paired with Stop.	Do not use verbs such as Launch, Initiate, or Boot.
Stop	Discontinues an activity. This verb is paired with Start.	Do not use verbs such as End, Kill, Terminate, or Cancel.
Submit	Presents a resource for approval.	Do not use a verb such as Post.
Suspend	Pauses an activity. For example, the Suspend-Service cmdlet pauses a service. This verb is paired with Resume.	Do not use a verb such as Pause.
Uninstall	Removes a resource from an indicated location. This verb is paired with Install.
Unregister	Removes the entry for a resource from a repository. This verb is paired with Register.	Do not use a verb such as Remove.
Wait	Pauses an operation until a specified event occurs. For example, the Wait-PSJob cmdlet pauses operations until one or more of the background jobs are complete.	Do not use verbs such as Sleep or Pause.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsSecurity class to define actions that apply to security. The following table lists most of the defined verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Block	Restricts access to a resource. This verb is paired with Unblock.	Do not use verbs such as Prevent, Limit, or Deny.
Grant	Allows access to a resource. This verb is paired with Revoke.	Do not use verbs such as Allow or Enable.
Protect	Safeguards a resource from attack or loss. This verb is paired with Unprotect.	Do not use verbs such as Encrypt, Safeguard, or Seal.
Revoke	Specifies an action that does not allow access to a resource. This verb is paired with Grant.	Do not use verbs such as Remove or Disable.
Unblock	Removes restrictions to a resource. This verb is paired with Block.	Do not use verbs such as Clear or Allow.
Unprotect	Removes safeguards from a resource that were added to prevent it from attack or loss. This verb is paired with Protect.	Do not use verbs such as Decrypt or Unseal.

Windows PowerShell uses the VerbsOther class to define canonical verb names that do not fit into a specific verb name category such as the common, communications, data, lifecycle, or security verb names verbs.

Verb	Action	Comments
Use	Uses or includes a resource to do something.

Do not use the following reserved verbs. These verbs are used by the Windows PowerShell language.

ForEach
Format
Group
Sort
Tee
Where

Reference

VerbsCommon
VerbsCommunications
VerbsData
VerbsDiagnostic
VerbsLifeCycle
VerbsSecurity

Concepts

Cmdlet Class Declaration
Windows PowerShell Programmer's Guide
Windows PowerShell SDK

Verb Naming Rules

Common Verbs

Communications Verbs

Data Verbs

Diagnostic Verbs

Lifecycle Verbs

Security Verbs

Other Verbs

Reserved Verbs

See Also

Reference

Concepts