Google IO Extended 2023 Toronto Power Up with Google Apps Script Laurence Svekis Live

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Google IO Extended 2023, Toronto

Google IO Extended Sat, Aug 12, 9:30 AM (EDT)

https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-cloud-toronto-presents-google-io-extended-2023-toronto/

Google Apps Script is a powerful scripting language and development platform that empowers users to extend and customize various Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) applications, such as Google Sheets, Google Docs, Gmail, Google Drive, and more. It offers a convenient way to automate tasks, enhance productivity, and build custom solutions within the Google ecosystem.

At its core, Google Apps Script is based on JavaScript, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced developers. With this scripting language, you can create scripts, also known as “add-ons,” to extend the functionality of Google Workspace apps or build standalone web applications that interact seamlessly with Google services.

Whether you need to automate repetitive tasks, integrate data across different Google apps, create custom functions in Google Sheets, or even develop complex web applications, Google Apps Script provides the flexibility and tools to do so. Its cloud-based nature allows you to access and run your scripts from any device with an internet connection, making it a versatile and convenient solution for enhancing your Google Workspace experience.

Here are some simple Google Apps Script examples with explanations to help you understand how to use this scripting language to automate tasks and enhance Google Workspace applications:

Example 1: Send an Email from Google Sheets

function sendEmail() { var recipient = "recipient@example.com"; var subject = "Hello from Google Apps Script"; var message = "This is a test email sent from Google Apps Script."; GmailApp.sendEmail(recipient, subject, message); }

Explanation:

  • This script defines a function named sendEmail.
  • Inside the function, you specify the recipient’s email address, subject, and message content.
  • The GmailApp.sendEmail function is used to send the email.

Example 2: Create a Custom Menu in Google Sheets

function onOpen() { var ui = SpreadsheetApp.getUi(); ui.createMenu('Custom Menu') .addItem('Show Dialog', 'showDialog') .addToUi(); } function showDialog() { var ui = SpreadsheetApp.getUi(); ui.alert('This is a custom dialog!'); }

Explanation:

  • The onOpen function creates a custom menu in Google Sheets when the spreadsheet is opened. The SpreadsheetApp.getUi() method is used to access the user interface.
  • The menu is named “Custom Menu” and contains one item, “Show Dialog,” which is linked to the showDialog function.
  • The showDialog function displays a simple alert dialog with the message “This is a custom dialog!” when the menu item is clicked.

Example 3: Create a Custom Function in Google Sheets

function DOUBLE(input) { return input * 2; }

Explanation:

  • This script defines a custom function named DOUBLE.
  • The DOUBLE function takes an input value and returns double that value.
  • After writing this script, you can use the =DOUBLE(A1) formula in a Google Sheets cell to double the value in cell A1.

These examples provide a glimpse into the versatility of Google Apps Script. You can automate tasks, create custom menus and dialogs, and even extend the built-in functions of Google Sheets to tailor them to your specific needs. The possibilities are vast, making Google Apps Script a valuable tool for enhancing your productivity within the Google Workspace ecosystem.