---
syntax: markdown
tags: [tldr, windows]
source: https://github.com/tldr-pages/tldr.git
---
# Select-String

> Finds text in strings and files in PowerShell.
> Note: This command can only be used through PowerShell.
> You can use `Select-String` similar to `grep` in UNIX or `findstr.exe` in Windows.
> More information: <https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/select-string>.

- Search for a pattern within a file:

`Select-String -Path "{{path	oile}}" -Pattern '{{search_pattern}}'`

- Search for an exact string (disables regular expressions):

`Select-String -SimpleMatch "{{exact_string}}" {{path	oile}}`

- Search for pattern in all `.ext` files in current dir:

`Select-String -Path "{{*.ext}}" -Pattern '{{search_pattern}}'`

- Capture the specified number of lines before and after the line that matches the pattern:

`Select-String --Context {{2,3}} "{{search_pattern}}" {{path	oile}}`

- Search `stdin` for lines that do not match a pattern:

`Get-Content {{path	oile}} | Select-String --NotMatch "{{search_pattern}}"`
