Understanding Google Apps Script

Google Apps Script is a cloud-based scripting language that allows developers to extend the functionalities of Google Workspace applications and automate various tasks. With native support for accessing external APIs, Google Apps Script offers a straightforward method for integrating with diverse web services to retrieve or manipulate data.

API integrations in Google Apps Script involve making HTTP requests to external endpoints, processing responses in JSON or XML format, and manipulating the data as needed. This functionality allows developers to incorporate a broad range of features into their Google Workspace projects—from data retrieval and manipulation to workflow automation and interaction with third-party services.

Fetching Weather Data with Google Apps Script

Here’s a simple function to fetch weather data based on a city name:

function getWeatherData(city) {

var apiKey = 'YOUR_API_KEY';

var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url);

var responseData = JSON.parse(response.getContentText());

var temperature = responseData.main.temp;

var weatherDescription = responseData.weather[0].description;

return {

temperature: temperature,

description: weatherDescription

};

}

Explanation:

• getWeatherData(city): Accepts a city name and returns an object with temperature and weather description.
• apiKey: Replace 'YOUR_API_KEY' with your actual API key from OpenWeatherMap or similar providers.
• url: Constructs the API endpoint URL using the provided city name and API key.
• UrlFetchApp.fetch(url): Sends an HTTP GET request to retrieve the response.
• JSON.parse(response.getContentText()): Converts the JSON response into a JavaScript object.
• Return: Outputs an object containing the current temperature and weather description.

Use Case Application: This script can be integrated into a Google Sheets document to automatically display the current weather for a specified city, aiding in planning outdoor activities and monitoring weather conditions.

The first video titled "Automating internal processes using Apps Script and APIs for Docs editors (Google Cloud Next '17)" provides insight into the automation capabilities of Apps Script.

Translating Text with Google Apps Script

The following function translates text into a specified language:

function translateText(text, targetLanguage) {

var apiKey = 'YOUR_API_KEY';

var payload = {

q: text,

target: targetLanguage

};

var options = {

method: 'post',

payload: payload,

contentType: 'application/json'

};

var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url, options);

var responseData = JSON.parse(response.getContentText());

var translatedText = responseData.data.translations[0].translatedText;

return translatedText;

}

Explanation:

• translateText(text, targetLanguage): Accepts text and the desired language, returning the translated text.
• apiKey: Replace with your actual API key from the Google Cloud Console.
• url: Constructs the API endpoint for Google Cloud Translation.
• payload: Contains the text to be translated and the target language.
• options: Sets up the HTTP request options.
• Return: Outputs the translated text from the API response.

Use Case Application: This script can be utilized in Google Docs or Forms for real-time translation, facilitating communication across languages and assisting in multilingual document creation.

The second video titled "GAS-050 Build an Approval Workflow with Apps Script (Part C)" explores creating approval workflows with Apps Script.

Interacting with Third-Party Services

To send messages via Slack, you can use the following function:

function sendSlackMessage(message) {

var webhookUrl = 'YOUR_SLACK_WEBHOOK_URL';

var payload = {

text: message

};

var options = {

method: 'post',

payload: JSON.stringify(payload),

contentType: 'application/json'

};

UrlFetchApp.fetch(webhookUrl, options);

}

Explanation:

• sendSlackMessage(message): Sends a message to a Slack channel using a webhook.
• webhookUrl: Replace with your actual Slack webhook URL.
• payload: Specifies the message content.
• options: Configures the HTTP request.

Use Case Application: This script can automate notifications in Google Workspace applications, alerting team members about important events or system updates.