Powershell. Why does the variable (Array) change?

Question

Why is this happening. I have two arrays. The first is changed in a function, the second serves as a copy of the first array. But it doesn't work. My code:

function testArray
{
   param
   (
       [parameter(Mandatory=$true)][array]$Board
   )

   $Board[1] = 'X'
   return $Board
}

[array]$test = @('.','.','.','.')
[array]$testCopy = $test

$test = testArray -Board $test

Write-Host $test
Write-Host $testCopy

Output:

. X . .

Powershell Version: 5.1

Thanks

I have no idee why it happening.

Avshalom · Accepted Answer · 2022-12-13 08:26:20Z

3

You should get familiar with Value Types and Reference Types see this link

Array is a reference type, which mean that when you set the [array]$testCopy = $test you are not creating a new Array but just add a new reference in the memory to the $test array,

so, if you change $test, $testCopy (which is just a reference) will show the value of $test

answered Dec 13, 2022 at 8:26

Avshalom

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1 Comment

Snake81 Over a year ago

Oh, Thankes for you help.

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