How to pass variable from module back to script?

Question

I have noticed that variables inside a module function do not remain in scope after execution returns to the script. I came across Export-ModuleMember but that didn't seem to help, perhaps i'm using it wrong.

FunctionLibrary.psm1

Function AuthorizeAPI
{
   # does a bunch of things to find $access_token
   $access_token = "aerh137heuar7fhes732"
}
Write-Host $access_token
aerh137heuar7fhes732

Export-ModuleMember -Variable access_token -Function AuthorizeAPI

Main script

Import-Module FunctionLibrary

AuthorizeAPI # call to module function to get access_token

Write-Host  $access_token 
# nothing returns

I know as an alternative I could just dot source a separate script and that would allow me to get the access_token but I like the idea of using modules and having all my functions therein. Is this doable? Thanks SO!

Hm, that didnt work. Variable is still empty when execution returns to Main script — Eric Furspan
– Eric Furspan, Commented Sep 17, 2016 at 14:18
I also notice the module doesn't seem to execute the Export-ModuleMember line. After the function has finished it just returns to the main script — Eric Furspan
– Eric Furspan, Commented Sep 17, 2016 at 14:21

G42 · Accepted Answer · 2016-09-17 14:27:01Z

1

As per @PetSerAl's comment, you can change the scope of your variable. Read up on scopes here. script scope did not work for me when running from console; global did.

$global:access_token = "aerh137heuar7fhes732"

Alternatively, you can return the value form the function it and store in a variable; no scope change needed.

Function

Function AuthorizeAPI
{
   # does a bunch of things to find $access_token
   $access_token = "aerh137heuar7fhes732"
   return $access_token
}

Main Script

Import-Module FunctionLibrary

$this_access_token = AuthorizeAPI # call to module function to get access_token

Write-Host  $this_access_token

answered Sep 17, 2016 at 14:27

G42

10.1k2 gold badges22 silver badges36 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to pass variable from module back to script?

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related