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ASS01: Overview of Google Apps Script

Introduction

Google Apps Script is a powerful tool that enhances the functionality of your Google Workspace applications. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks, extend existing features, and develop custom solutions – all within the familiar environment of Google apps like Sheets, Docs, and Gmail. By leveraging Google Apps Script, you can unlock the full potential of Google Workspace and tailor it to meet your specific needs.

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Presentation

What is Google Apps Script?

  • Official introduction from Google - “Apps Script is a cloud-based JavaScript platform powered by Google Drive that lets you integrate with and automate tasks across Google products.”
  • A cloud-based scripting language for Google Workspace apps.
  • Built on JavaScript.

Why Use Google Apps Script?

  • Automate repetitive tasks.
  • Enhance Google Workspace apps (e.g., Google Sheets, Docs, Slides, Gmail, etc.).
  • Create custom tools and workflows.

Key Features of Google Apps Script

  • Seamless integration with Google Workspace products (e.g. SpreadsheetApp, DocumentApp, SlidesApp, GmailApp, etc.).
  • Web-based script editor.
  • Built-in triggers for automation.
  • Support for APIs and external services.

Examples of What You Can Build

  • Automating Google Sheets (e.g., generating reports, data formatting).
  • Sending emails automatically with Gmail.
  • Syncing data across Google Workspace apps.
  • Creating custom Google Forms workflows.
  • Building Add-ons for Google Workspace.

How Google Apps Script Works

  • Accessing the script editor from Google Sheets.
  • Overview of the editor interface.
  • Running scripts manually.
  • Using triggers to automate tasks.
  • Standalone script.
  • Container-bound scripts.
  • Web apps.

Benefits of Using Google Apps Script

  • No software installation required.
  • Works seamlessly within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
  • Minimal coding knowledge required (uses JavaScript).
  • Free to use with Google Workspace.

Hands-On Activity: Hello, World! Script

  • Open the Apps Script editor.
  • Write a simple “Hello, World!” script.
  • Run the script and view the output.

function helloWorld() {

 SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet()

   .getSheetByName("App")

   .getRange("A1")

   .setValue("Hello, Apps Script!");

}

Limitations of Google Apps Script

  • Daily quotas and limitations (e.g., script runtime, API calls).
  • Works primarily within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
  • Not suitable for heavy computational tasks.

Resources to Learn More

Apps Script Simplified

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Previous Read

Apps Script Simplified: Your Guide to Google Workspace Automation

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ASS02: Setting Up Your Apps Script Development Environment

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