Unlocking Automation with AI Shell and Desired State Configuration with Jason Helmick

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we’re live from TechMentor at the Microsoft campus with two incredible guests: longtime advocate, educator, and PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft - Jason Helmick and newcomer Troy Brown. This special episode captures the heart of community, innovation, and the transformative power of PowerShell—from seasoned insight to beginner breakthroughs.

Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies:

• AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts.
• DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what’s next for the configuration platform.

 Highlights:

• Microsoft’s hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall!
• The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity
• AI Shell’s support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents
• Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature
• Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet
• The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success

Troy Brown's First TechMentor Experience
First-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell:

• How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules
• The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential
• Navigating the learning curve with community support
• His message to fellow newcomers: “Don’t take things personally, and embrace the journey.”

 

Resource Links:

• DSC v3 on GitHub
• Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook
• The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast