Count length of array and return 1 if it only contains one element

$cars = "bmw","audi","volvo","vw" echo $cars.length 

returns 4, but

$cars = "bmw" 

returns 3 because it counts the characters..

Is there a way I can return 1 if the array only contains one item?

4 Answers

A couple other options:

1. Use the comma operator to create an array:

   $cars = ,"bmw" $cars.GetType().FullName # Outputs: System.Object[] 

2. Use array subexpression syntax:

   $cars = @("bmw") $cars.GetType().FullName # Outputs: System.Object[] 

If you don't want an object array you can downcast to the type you want e.g. a string array.

 [string[]] $cars = ,"bmw" [string[]] $cars = @("bmw") 

Instead of writing echo $cars.length write echo @($cars).length

declare you array as:

$car = array("bmw") 

EDIT

now with powershell syntax:)

$car = [array]"bmw" 

Maybe I am missing something (lots of many-upvotes-members answers here that seem to be looking at this different to I, which would seem implausible that I am correct), but length is not the correct terminology for counting something. Length is usually used to obtain what you are getting, and not what you are wanting.

$cars.count should give you what you seem to be looking for.