How do I create array of arrays in PowerShell?

Question

I want to create an array of arrays in PowerShell.

$x = @(
    @(1,2,3),
    @(4,5,6)
)

It works fine. However, sometimes I have only one array in the array list. In that situation, PowerShell ignores one of the lists:

$x = @(
    @(1,2,3)
)

$x[0][0] # Should return 1
Unable to index into an object of type System.Int32.
At line:1 char:7
+ $a[0][ <<<< 0]
    + CategoryInfo          : InvalidOperation: (0:Int32) [], RuntimeException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : CannotIndex

How do I create an array of arrays, guaranteed it remains as a two-dimensional array even if the array has only one array item in it?

NB: Where using an array of arrays it seems that the placement of the comma also matters. More info here: windowsserver.uservoice.com/forums/301869-powershell/… — JohnLBevan
– JohnLBevan, Commented Apr 5, 2018 at 10:53

CB. · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-21 12:59:44Z

77

Adding a comma force to create an array:

$x = @(
    ,@(1,2,3)
)

Simple way:

$x = ,(1,2,3)

edited Jun 21, 2012 at 12:59

answered Jun 21, 2012 at 12:38

CB.

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5 Comments

jumbo Over a year ago

The magic comma strikes again! Why does powershell won't create array without comma?

CB. Over a year ago

A good article on the magic : blogs.msdn.com/b/powershell/archive/2007/01/23/…. The comma operator is the array construction operator in PowerShell

David I. McIntosh Over a year ago

Of course, then for consistency of syntax, you would hope that this @( ,@(1,2,3) ,@(4,5,6) ) would work... but it doesn't give you what you expect. Sigh.

Tomalak Over a year ago

Microsoft broke the link in the comment above. The new location is blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/powershell/2007/01/23/…

orion elenzil Over a year ago

these types of 'conveniences' in a language are just asking for trouble.

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