Google Apps Script Overview

What is Google Apps Script?

• A cloud-based scripting language based on JavaScript.
• Allows users to enhance functionality in Google Suite products (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms, etc.).
• Key feature: Integrates different Google services to perform complex tasks.

Key Features

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
  • Accessible via cloud for writing and updating scripts.
  • No need for a local editor.
• Types of Scripts:
  1. Bound Scripts:
     • Tied to specific Google Apps (e.g., a Google Doc or Sheet).
  2. Standalone Scripts:
     • Independent scripts that can link to Google Apps.
• Publishing Options:
  • Scripts can be private, published as add-ons, or web apps.
  • Can be embedded in Google Sites or used as an executable API.

Getting Started

• Requirements:
  • A Google account (Gmail users are already set).
• Accessing the IDE:
  • Go to script.google.com to start scripting.
• First Script Example:
  • Create a document using the DocumentApp:

    var doc = DocumentApp.create('New Doc');
    

• Adding Content:
  • To add content to a document:

    var body = doc.getBody();
    body.appendParagraph('Hello World');
    

Use Cases

• Automating repetitive tasks with scripts.
• Creating custom functions in Sheets.
• Developing lightweight web applications hosted on Google Cloud.

Sending Emails with Scripts

• Example of sending an email after creating a document:

  var email = Session.getActiveUser().getEmail();
  MailApp.sendEmail(email, 'Subject', 'Body of the email');
  

• Permissions are required to access Gmail features.

Summary

• Google Apps Script empowers users to leverage Google services for automation and customization.
• Requires basic JavaScript knowledge to create effective scripts.
• Upcoming lessons will delve deeper into the IDE and more functionalities.