Supercharging AppSheet API development with Gemini and OpenAPI specs

We know that to get the most out of generative AI tools like Gemini (gemini.google.com), you need to provide them with high-quality context. For AppSheet creators, there is a “hidden gem” within the platform that generates automatic documentation for your app. By navigating to Settings > Information > App documentation, you can access a comprehensive PDF that details your app’s definition; this is an excellent resource for human review and archiving.

However, when working with tools like the Gemini to generate code or API calls, a flattened PDF isn’t always the most efficient format for the model to parse. For creators looking for a more machine-friendly alternative, QREW Apps recently suggested a clever method to access the OpenAPI specification of your app directly.

App owners can retrieve this structured data by appending their app’s UUID to the AppSheet API v2 URL: https://www.appsheet.com/api/v2/apps/{app-guid}/openapi.json

This OpenAPI JSON export provides a structured blueprint of your app’s API capabilities. Unlike the PDF documentation, this JSON format is highly digestible for an AI. For creators beginning to experiment with the AppSheet API, uploading this JSON file into gemini.google.com allows the model to understand the exact schema and capabilities of your specific application.

With this context loaded, Gemini can assist in constructing accurate API calls. For example, if you are looking to Call a webhook from an automation, Gemini can generate valid payloads, enable batch updates, or script complex data interactions that would typically require significant manual trial and error.

For those of you working with Google Apps Script, you can pair this technique with my AppSheetApp library. With the OpenAPI spec providing the schema, providing the library code which handles the API communication, you can prompt Gemini to write a script for your AppSheet automation.

I am keen to hear how you get on with this workflow. If you discover other interesting ways to combine OpenAPI specs with Gemini to accelerate your Google Workspace development, feel free to share them in the comments. As always, happy scripting!