Method 1: Using Write-Output or Write-Host with Custom Function

• Create a Custom Function: Define a custom function that adds timestamps to output messages.

function Add-Timestamp {
$timestamp = Get-Date -Format “yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss”
Write-Output (“[$timestamp] ” + $args)
}

• Use the Custom Function: Call the Add-Timestamp function whenever you want to output a message with a timestamp.

Add-Timestamp “This is a test message.”
Add-Timestamp “Another message.”

Method 2: Using Tee-Object

• Use Tee-Object: You can use Tee-Object to redirect the output of a command to a file while also displaying it in the console with a timestamp.

Get-Process | Tee-Object -FilePath “output.log” -Append | ForEach-Object {
$timestamp = Get-Date -Format “yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss”
Write-Host “[$timestamp] $_”
}

This command gets a list of processes, appends them to the “output.log” file, and also displays each process in the console with a timestamp.

Method 3: Using Start-Transcript

• Start Transcription: You can use Start-Transcript to record all output, including timestamps, to a transcript file.

Start-Transcript -Path “transcript.log” -Append
Write-Output “This is a test message.”
Write-Output “Another message.”
Stop-Transcript

This will create or append to a “transcript.log” file with timestamps for each command and its output.

Notes:

• Customization: You can customize the timestamp format (Get-Date -Format “your_format”) according to your preference.
• Consistency: Choose a method that fits your workflow and maintain consistency throughout your scripts.
• Debugging: Timestamps can aid in debugging by providing context for when certain actions occurred.