PowerCLI is a PowerShell-based command-line interface developed by VMware for managing and automating VMware vSphere environments. It provides a comprehensive set of tools. It allows IT professionals to automate various aspects of vSphere management, including virtual machines (VMs), networking, storage, and guest operating systems.
In this short post, I will show you how to install VMware PowerCLI on the macOS.
Requirements:
- Homebrew package manager;
1. Installing Homebrew
Homebrew is a package management system designed primarily for macOS, but it also supports Linux. It simplifies the process of installing, managing, and updating software applications through a command-line interface.
If you have installed Homebrew on you Mac, skip this part and move to the section 2.
1. Type this command to install Homebrew
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"2. Confirm the running version of the Homebrew.
brew --version
2. Installing PowerShell and VMware PowerCLI
PowerShell is a powerful task automation and configuration management framework developed by Microsoft. It combines a command-line shell with a scripting language, enabling users to automate administrative tasks and manage system configurations across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
1. Install PowerShell using a single Homebrew command. When the package is installed, type a pwsh command to change shell to the PowerShell mode.
brew install --cask powershell
pwsh
2. Get the the PowerCLI module using command from below. Confirm with capital “A” that you want to use PSGallery.
Install-Module -Name VMware.PowerCLI
3. Confirm that PowerCLI module is available.
Get-Module -Name VMware.PowerCLI -ListAvailable
3. Connect to the ESXi or vCenter
1. Log in to the single ESXi server using a proper account. And you’re in!
If you want to connect to the vCenter Server, use IP or FQDN of that server instead of ESXi.
Connect-VIServer -Server [ESXi_server_or_vCenter_server]
2. Let’s list all available VMs running on this host.
Get-VM
Summary
VMware PowerCLI is an essential tool for IT professionals managing VMware environments. By leveraging PowerCLI, administrators can significantly reduce manual effort and enhance productivity in their VMware management tasks.
