How to Create and Use a Multi-Dimensional Array with PowerShell

An array is a neat little data structure that allows you to store more than one piece of information in a single variable. Take a look at the examples below.

$VariableName

In this example, we have a standard variable. It contains only one value.

PS C:\> $VariableName

An array is a bit different. It stores each value in a unique index number.

$Array1

0	Apple
1	Pear
2	Plum

PS C:\> $array1

Apple

Pear

Plum

PS C:\> $array1[1]

Pear

A multidimensional array is like a grid (2 dimensional) or a cube (3 dimensional). You can add more dimensions but those beyond 3 are hard to conceptualize.

$Array2

	0	1	2
0	Dog	Alpha	100
1	Cat	Bravo	200
2	Bird	Charlie	300

Take a look at this code:

$Data1 = "Dog", "Alpha", "100"

$Data2 = "Cat","Bravo","200"

$Data3 = "Bird","Charlie","300"

$Array3 = @($Data1,$Data2,$Data3)

$Array3[1][2]

This will set up the array that is visualized above. The first index number is how many cells down to go. The second is how many cells to the right to go. Remember, both start at zero.

$Array3[1][2]

200

We essential created 3 arrays; $Data1, $Data2, and $Data3. We then created an array of arrays called $Array3.

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Jason Yoder, MCT

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