Return multiple values in PowerShell

Question

Given the following Script, how can I return two variables to the main code?

I have tried the return command but show an error. Please find the code and error message below.

Code:

workflow Test-MultiReturnVals
{
  parallel
  {
    $a = @(Test-Connection 8.8.8.8 -count 3)  
    $b = @(Test-Connection 4.2.2.1 -count 3)
    return $a, $b
  }
}
$c, $d = Test-MultiReturnVals
$c

Error:

Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility\Write-Error : The workflow was terminated by a
Terminate activity.
At RunScripts:9 char:9
+
    + CategoryInfo          : NotSpecified: (:) [Write-Error], WorkflowReturnException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : Microsoft.PowerShell.Workflow.WorkflowReturnException,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.WriteErrorCommand
    + PSComputerName        : [localhost]

Is there a particular reason why you're using a workflow? If you just want to run stuff in parallel you're probably better off using background jobs. — Ansgar Wiechers
– Ansgar Wiechers, Commented Nov 21, 2017 at 18:42

Mark Birkedal Stjerslev · Accepted Answer · 2017-11-27 07:48:08Z

1

You shouldn't have the return statement in the parallel block. By definition, statements in the parallel block are run concurrently so you return before the values are populated ("return" is a terminate activity). Take a look here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/psworkflow/about/about_parallel

To make it work the way you want to, you need to define the variables before the parallel block, then reference those variables inside the parallel block, and finally return the variables at the end. Be aware that you need to use $WORKFLOW: to reference the variables inside the parallel block.

answered Nov 27, 2017 at 7:48

Mark Birkedal Stjerslev

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