Understanding PowerCLI
VMware created an Application Program Interface (API) that provides a way for third-party vendors and developers to have other software products register and control the vSphere environment. PowerCLI is a group of functions, written in PowerShell, that convert the cryptic commands of the API into a human-readable format to simplify the scriptwriter's job. For example, one of the first commands you write is Connect-VIServer. This single command is programmed as a group of API calls to initiate a connection to the vCenter server, pass user credentials, and open a network socket to the server. Understanding all of the pieces of how to connect to a vCenter server is now irrelevant and the single command is used.
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