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DSCv3 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's Desired State Configuration platform. DSCv3 is an opensource command line application that abstracts the management of software components declarativelyand idempotently. DSCv3 runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows without any external dependencies.

With DSCv3, you can:

• Author resources to manage your systems in any language
• Invoke individual resources
• Create configuration documents that define the desired state of a system

DSCv3 differs from PowerShell DSC in a few important ways:

• DSCv3 doesn't depend on PowerShell. You can use DSCv3 without PowerShell installed and manageresources written in bash, python, C#, Go, or any other language.
• DSCv3 use of PowerShell based resources does not depend on PSDesiredStateConfiguration module
• DSCv3 doesn't include a local configuration manager. DSCv3 is invoked as a command. It doesn'trun as a service.
• Non-PowerShell resources define their schemas with JSON files, not MOF files.
• Configuration documents are defined in JSON or YAML files, not PowerShell script files.

Importantly, while DSCv3 represents a major change to the DSC platform, DSCv3 is able to invokePowerShell DSC Resources, including script-based and class-based DSC Resources, as they exist today. Theconfiguration documents aren't compatible, but all published PowerShell DSC Resources are. You canuse PowerShell DSC resources in DSCv3 with both Windows PowerShell and PowerShell.

To install DSC v3:

1. Download thelatest release from this repository.
2. Expand the release archive.
3. Add the folder containing the expanded archive contents to thePATH.

If you're new to DSC or configuration management, we recommend reviewing thedocumentation.

If you're already familiar with DSC or just want to start experimenting with v3, we recommendreviewing theSamples repository and the accompanyingtutorial site. The Samplesrepo is ready to accept Pull Requests, which is a great way to contribute while v3 is in earlyphases of development.

DSCv3 is a platform tool that abstracts the concerns for defining and invoking resources. Higherorder tools, like Azure Machine Configuration, Azure Automanaged VM, and WinGet are early partnersfor DSCv3 as orchestration agents.

DSCv3 uses JSON schemas to define the structure of resources, configuration documents, and theoutputs that DSCv3 returns. These schemas make it easier to integrate DSCv3 with other tools,because they standardize and document how to interface with DSCv3.

Please see ourCode of Conduct before participating in this project.

For any security issues, please see ourSecurity Policy.