Think of Google Apps Script as “JavaScript for Google”: it’s a simple way to automate and extend Google Sheets, Docs, Forms, Gmail, and other Workspace apps—all without leaving your browser. Here’s the quick-and-dirty on how to get started:
- Open the Script Editor
- In any Google Sheet, Doc, or Form, go to Extensions → Apps Script.
- A new browser tab opens with a blank project, already linked to your document.
- Write your first function
- Apps Script uses standard JavaScript, so if you’ve never coded before, you’re in familiar territory.
- In the code editor you’ll see a default
function myFunction() { }. Rename it to something meaningful, for example:function sendEmailReminder() { MailApp.sendEmail('you@example.com', 'Reminder', 'Don’t forget to review today’s sales data!'); }
- Save and Run
- Click the disk icon (💾) to save.
- Hit the ▶️ “Run” button.
- The first time you run, Apps Script will ask you to authorize access (so your script can send mail, read spreadsheets, etc.).
- Tie it to an event
- You can manually run any function, or you can automate it with Triggers (for example, run every morning at 8 AM).
- In the left sidebar, click the ⏰ clock icon (“Triggers”), then Add Trigger, pick your function, and choose a time or event.
- Explore built-in services
- SpreadsheetApp – read and write cells in Sheets
- DocumentApp – modify Docs
- FormApp – control Forms
- GmailApp / MailApp – send and read email
- UrlFetchApp – call external APIs
- …and more. Each has its own simple methods—no server setup needed.
Why it feels magic
- Zero setup: Everything runs on Google’s servers.
- Familiar syntax: If you know basic JavaScript, you’re up and running immediately.
- Superpowers in minutes: Automate reports, generate documents, send emails, or integrate with external services—all from one editor.
Give it a try: open the Script Editor in a blank Sheet, paste in the sendEmailReminder function above, authorize, and run. You’ll see how quickly you can go from zero code to real automation!
