When you create a binary PowerShell module, just by compiling a simple, barebones C# class DLL and adding it to the module path (even without manifest), the class objects inside the DLL will be immediately available for that session after the command 'import-module'.

When you create a 'classic script based' PowerShell module (using .psm1/.psd1) the classes inside the module are only available to that module internally, but not to the PS session by default, unless you run the 'using module ...' command in the PowerShell session.

That by itself is already inconsistent. It gets more confusing when you create a new object using New-WebserviceProxy. The associated classes from the online web service are from then on also available in the current session, without any extra loading.

So, classes in 'foreign' modules are autoloaded and available, while 'PowerShell native' classes are not. This seems to be bug or at least inconsistent behaviour.

It would be great if the 'Export-ModuleMember' command was expanded to support classes as well.

(I have a feeling this is an oversight. I spoke to someone at the PowerShell booth at Microsoft Ignite 2016 and the person was surprised classes inside text based .psm1 files are not available outside the module by default)

See also related comments on: https://windowsserver.uservoice.com/forums/301869-powershell/suggestions/16504684-package-powershell-classes-in-a-module

Steps to reproduce

Create new PowerShell module with classes inside. Classes not available by default when importing module.

Expected behavior

Classes from binary PowerShell modules as well as classic, script based module should load in the same way.

Actual behavior

You need to explicitly call 'Using module ...' in the running PowerShell session in order to get access to the classes inside a script based PowerShell module.

Environment data

> $PSVersionTable
Name                           Value                                                                       
----                           -----                                                                       
PSVersion                      5.1.14393.206                                                               
PSEdition                      Desktop                                                                     
PSCompatibleVersions           {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0...}                                                     
BuildVersion                   10.0.14393.206                                                              
CLRVersion                     4.0.30319.42000                                                             
WSManStackVersion              3.0                                                                         
PSRemotingProtocolVersion      2.3                                                                         
SerializationVersion           1.1.0.1