How to Create an Application Using Google Apps Script

How to Create an Application Using Google Apps Script and Connect It to Google Sheets

What is Google Apps Script?

Google Apps Script is a free tool provided by Google to customize its services, such as Google Sheets, Drive, and Gmail. It allows you to create custom applications and automate processes using JavaScript.

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Steps to Create an Application Using Google Apps Script

1. Open Google Apps Script

• Open any Google service, such as Google Sheets.
• From the menu, select "Extensions" > "Apps Script."
• This will open the Apps Script editor where you can write your code.

2. Write the Basic Code

You can start with a simple project, like sending an automated email or updating Google Sheets. Here is an example of a code snippet to send an email:

function sendEmail() {
  var recipient = "example@gmail.com";
  var subject = "Automated Email";
  var body = "Hello, this email was sent using Google Apps Script!";
  
  GmailApp.sendEmail(recipient, subject, body);
}

3. Connect the Application to Google Sheets

To automatically add data to Google Sheets, use the following code:

function addDataToSheet() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  sheet.appendRow(["Name", "Age", "Job"]);
  sheet.appendRow(["Ahmed", 25, "Developer"]);
}

4. Run the Code and Grant Permissions

• Click the Run button ▶️ next to the function name.
• A window will appear asking you to grant the necessary permissions.

5. Publish the App as a Web Application

• From the Apps Script editor, select "Deploy" > "Deploy as Web App."
• Choose the appropriate options:
  • Execute as: "Me."
  • Who has access: "Anyone with the link."
• Click "Deploy" and share the generated link with users.

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Usage and Interaction Limitations

When publishing your app using Google Apps Script as a web application, there are usage limits, especially for free accounts:

• Free Accounts:

  • Up to 100 users per day.
  • Execution time of up to 6 minutes per minute.

• Paid Accounts (Google Workspace):

  • Increased limits, allowing for nearly unlimited users and interactions.
  • Execution time of up to 30 minutes per minute.

Google Workspace Plans

To overcome limitations, consider subscribing to Google Workspace plans:

• Basic Plan: Starting at $6/month.
• Advanced Plan: Suitable for large organizations, offering higher resources.

Learn more about Google Workspace Plans

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Practical Examples of Applications Using Apps Script 

1. Automatic Notifications Using Google Calendar

This script sends an email notification for upcoming events in the calendar:

function sendCalendarNotifications() {
  var calendar = CalendarApp.getDefaultCalendar();
  var events = calendar.getEvents(new Date(), new Date(new Date().getTime() + (24 * 60 * 60 * 1000))); // Events within 24 hours
  var recipient = "example@gmail.com";
  
  events.forEach(function(event) {
    var subject = "Event Notification: " + event.getTitle();
    var body = "You have an upcoming event: " + event.getTitle() +
               "\nScheduled at: " + event.getStartTime();
    GmailApp.sendEmail(recipient, subject, body);
  });
}

2. Automatically Create a Spreadsheet in Google Sheets

Code to create a new spreadsheet and add data automatically:

function createSpreadsheet() {
  var spreadsheet = SpreadsheetApp.create("Schedule");
  var sheet = spreadsheet.getActiveSheet();
  sheet.appendRow(["Date", "Task", "Status"]);
  sheet.appendRow(["2024-01-01", "Start Project", "In Progress"]);
}

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Benefits of Google Apps Script

• Ease of Use: Requires minimal programming knowledge.
• Strong Integration with Google Services: Works seamlessly with Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and other tools.
• Quick Deployment: Applications can be published and shared effortlessly.

Drawbacks

• Usage Limits: Free accounts have restrictions on daily execution and number of users.
• Google Dependency: Only works within Google’s ecosystem.

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Resources and References

• Official Google Apps Script Documentation
• Guide to Google Workspace Plans
• How to Publish a Web App Using Apps Script

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With these steps and information, you can create custom applications using Google Apps Script and integrate them with various Google services like Google Sheets and Calendar.

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We Want to Hear from You!

Do you know a better technique than Apps Script? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Your feedback helps us improve and discover new possibilities!