Find-PSResource Cmdlet Missing Includes Data Issue And Solution

Jul 12, 2025 by Jeany 64 views

Find-PSResource Missing Includes Data for ContainerRegistryDiscussion

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a specific issue encountered while using the Find-PSResource cmdlet in PowerShell, particularly concerning missing data within the Includes property when querying against a non-PSGallery repository, such as a Container Registry. This issue, observed in version 1.1.1 of the Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet module, can significantly impact the discovery and management of PowerShell resources. We will explore the steps to reproduce the problem, the expected and actual behaviors, and the environmental factors contributing to this discrepancy. Understanding the nuances of resource discovery is crucial for effective PowerShell module management, and this article aims to provide clarity and insights into this particular challenge. We will also discuss the implications of this missing data and how it affects users relying on the Includes property for detailed resource information. Furthermore, we will examine the differences in behavior between the PSGallery repository and other repositories, highlighting the importance of consistent data retrieval across all sources. By the end of this discussion, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the issue and its potential impact on their PowerShell workflows. This article serves as a valuable resource for anyone working with PowerShell resource management and encountering similar challenges.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the specifics of the issue, let's ensure we have the necessary prerequisites covered. First and foremost, a descriptive title is crucial for clear communication and easy reference. This ensures that the problem is immediately identifiable and can be easily searched for in documentation or online forums. Secondly, it is imperative to reproduce the issue on the latest released version of the Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet module. This step helps confirm that the problem is not a previously fixed bug and that it persists in the most recent version. The latest version can be found on the PowerShell Gallery. Finally, before reporting a new issue, it is always a good practice to search the existing issues. This helps avoid duplication and allows you to contribute to existing discussions if the problem has already been reported. Ensuring these prerequisites are met streamlines the troubleshooting process and helps in effectively addressing the problem at hand. By following these steps, we can be confident that our analysis is based on the most current information and that we are contributing to the resolution of a genuine issue.

[x] Write a descriptive title.
[x] Make sure you are able to repro it on the latest released version
[x] Search the existing issues.

Steps to Reproduce

The core of this issue lies in the discrepancy of data retrieval when using the Find-PSResource cmdlet with different repositories. Specifically, when querying for packages, the Find-PSResource cmdlet is found to be missing data in the Includes property when used against a repository other than PSGallery, such as a Container Registry. This contrasts with the behavior observed when using the PSGallery repository, where the Includes property is populated as expected. To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

Ensure you have a non-PSGallery repository configured. This could be a Container Registry or any other custom repository configured for PowerShell resource retrieval.
Use the Find-PSResource cmdlet to query for a package from this non-PSGallery repository. For example:
```
$a = Find-PSResource -Name az.compute -Repository MAR
```
In this example, MAR is a placeholder for the name of your non-PSGallery repository.
Examine the Includes property of the returned object. You will observe that the property is empty, meaning it does not contain the expected data about included cmdlets, functions, or other resources.
```
$a.Includes
```
Repeat the same steps using the PSGallery repository. You will find that the Includes property is populated correctly.

By following these steps, you can consistently reproduce the issue and confirm the discrepancy in data retrieval between different repositories. This consistent reproduction is crucial for further analysis and resolution of the problem. The key takeaway here is the inconsistent behavior of the Find-PSResource cmdlet depending on the repository being queried, which highlights a potential bug or limitation in the current implementation. This discrepancy can lead to confusion and hinder the effective management of PowerShell resources.

Expected Behavior

The expected behavior of the Find-PSResource cmdlet is that it should consistently retrieve and populate the Includes property, regardless of the repository being queried. The Includes property provides valuable information about the resources contained within a module or package, such as cmdlets, functions, DSC resources, and workflows. This information is crucial for users to understand the capabilities of a module before installing or using it. When querying the PSGallery repository, the expected behavior is observed:

PS> $a = Find-PSResource -Name az.compute -Repository MAR
PS> $a.Includes

Cmdlet         : {Add-AzImageDataDisk, Add-AzVhd, Add-AzVMAdditionalUnattendContent, Add-AzVMDataDisk…}
Command        : {Add-AzImageDataDisk, Add-AzVhd, Add-AzVMAdditionalUnattendContent, Add-AzVMDataDisk…}
DscResource    : {}
Function       : 
RoleCapability : 
Workflow       :

In this example, the Includes property is populated with a list of cmdlets and commands included in the az.compute module. This allows users to quickly see what functions are available within the module. The expectation is that this same level of detail should be available when querying any repository, including Container Registries or other custom repositories. This consistency is essential for a smooth and predictable user experience. The absence of this information can lead to uncertainty and require users to manually inspect modules, which is a time-consuming and inefficient process. Therefore, the consistent population of the Includes property is a fundamental requirement for the Find-PSResource cmdlet to function effectively across all repository types.

Actual Behavior

The actual behavior observed when querying a non-PSGallery repository, such as a Container Registry, deviates significantly from the expected behavior. Instead of populating the Includes property with a list of contained resources, the property is returned as empty. This means that users are unable to see the cmdlets, functions, or other resources included in the module without manually inspecting it. This discrepancy creates a significant usability issue and hinders the discovery and management of PowerShell resources.

PS> $a = Find-PSResource -Name az.compute -Repository MAR
PS> $a.Includes

Cmdlet         : {}
Command        : {}
DscResource    : {}
Function       : {}
RoleCapability : {}
Workflow       : {}

In this example, the Includes property is returned as empty for all resource types, indicating a clear lack of data retrieval from the non-PSGallery repository. This behavior is inconsistent with the PSGallery repository, where the Includes property is populated correctly. This inconsistency raises concerns about the reliability of the Find-PSResource cmdlet when used with non-PSGallery repositories. Users relying on the Includes property for resource discovery may be misled or forced to resort to manual inspection, which is a cumbersome and error-prone process. The implications of this actual behavior are far-reaching, affecting not only individual users but also organizations that rely on PowerShell for automation and management tasks. The inability to accurately determine the contents of a module before installation can lead to security risks, compatibility issues, and overall inefficiency.

Error Details

Currently, there are no specific error messages or exceptions thrown when the Includes property is not populated correctly. This lack of explicit error reporting makes it challenging to diagnose the issue and can lead to confusion for users. The absence of error details means that users may not be aware that the data is missing or that there is a problem with the retrieval process. This silent failure can be particularly problematic as users may unknowingly rely on incomplete information, leading to incorrect decisions or unexpected behavior. The lack of error reporting also makes it more difficult to troubleshoot the issue and identify the root cause. Without specific error messages, developers and administrators are left to rely on manual inspection and trial-and-error, which is a time-consuming and inefficient process. In future iterations of the Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet module, it would be beneficial to include more detailed error reporting to provide users with actionable information and facilitate the resolution of such issues. Clear error messages or warnings could indicate when the Includes property is not being populated correctly, prompting users to take appropriate steps, such as verifying repository configurations or reporting the issue to the development team.

Environment Data

Understanding the environment in which the issue occurs is crucial for effective troubleshooting and resolution. The following environment data provides valuable context for analyzing the behavior of the Find-PSResource cmdlet:

PS> Get-Module microsoft.powershell.psresourceget; $PSVersionTable | Format-Table

ModuleType Version    PreRelease Name                                ExportedCommands
---------- -------    ---------- ----                                ----------------
Binary     1.1.1                 Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet  {Compress-PSResource, Find-PSResource, Get-InstalledPSResource, Get-PSResourceRepository…}


Name                           Value
----
PSVersion                      7.5.2
PSEdition                      Core
GitCommitId                    7.5.2
OS                             Microsoft Windows 10.0.26100
Platform                       Win32NT
PSCompatibleVersions           {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0…}
PSRemotingProtocolVersion      2.3
SerializationVersion           1.1.0.1
WSManStackVersion              3.0

This data reveals that the issue was observed in Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet module version 1.1.1, running on PowerShell version 7.5.2 on a Windows 10 operating system. This specific environment context helps narrow down the potential causes of the issue and allows for targeted testing and debugging. For instance, knowing the module version allows developers to focus on changes introduced in that specific release. Similarly, the PowerShell version and operating system information can help identify any platform-specific issues or compatibility concerns. The environment data also provides insights into the overall PowerShell configuration, including compatible versions and remoting protocols, which can be relevant for understanding the broader context of the issue. By carefully analyzing this environment data, developers and administrators can gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to the problem and work towards a resolution.

Visuals

The following visual aid further illustrates the issue of missing data in the Includes property when using the Find-PSResource cmdlet with a non-PSGallery repository.

This image provides a clear visual representation of the discrepancy in the Includes property between the expected and actual behaviors. The visual comparison highlights the emptiness of the Includes property when querying a non-PSGallery repository, reinforcing the points discussed in the previous sections. Visual aids like this can be particularly helpful for understanding complex issues and communicating them effectively to others. By presenting the problem in a visual format, it becomes easier to grasp the impact of the missing data and the importance of resolving the issue. The image serves as a powerful tool for demonstrating the inconsistency in data retrieval and underscores the need for a consistent and reliable experience across all repository types.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of missing data in the Includes property when using the Find-PSResource cmdlet with non-PSGallery repositories represents a significant challenge for PowerShell users. This inconsistency in data retrieval hinders the effective discovery and management of PowerShell resources, potentially leading to confusion, errors, and inefficiencies. The steps to reproduce, the comparison of expected and actual behaviors, and the provided environment data all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience across all repository types. The lack of error reporting further complicates the troubleshooting process, highlighting the need for more informative error messages in future releases. The visual representation of the problem reinforces the importance of resolving this discrepancy. Moving forward, it is essential for the Microsoft.PowerShell.PSResourceGet module to provide consistent data, including the Includes property, regardless of the repository being queried. This will empower users to make informed decisions about module installation and usage, ultimately enhancing the overall PowerShell experience. By addressing this issue, the PowerShell community can continue to build a robust and reliable ecosystem for resource management and automation.