A slightly shorter Google Workspace Developer News episode this month from Chanel Greco (Google Workspace, DevRel). New features for developers include using the Google Docs API or Apps Script to create and organize documents with tabs. Google Meet Add-ons now have the ability to end collaborations programmatically. Google Chat apps have expanded card interface features, such as Material Design buttons and ChipList widgets.
Lastly, developers are encouraged to use Cloud Client Libraries when calling Chat API for improved efficiency. You can find out more about all these updates by following the source link.
Introduction Managing multiple calendars can be complex, particularly when it comes to accurately reflecting availability across different contexts—work, personal, and project-specific.
Use Cases
Multi-Calendar Management: Useful for managing both personal and work calendars, ensuring that colleagues or friends can see when you’re actually available.
Team Collaboration: Helps maintain clarity around availability in team environments.
Event Coordination: Assists in coordinating events across multiple calendars by providing a unified view of availability.
SyncFreeBusy is a handy solution published by Jasper Duizendstra designed to synchronize events between a primary and secondary Google Calendars. It can be used to provide a unified free/busy status across different calendars, preventing scheduling conflicts and reducing manual overhead.
The script works by fetching events from both calendars, creating corresponding “blocking events” in the other calendar to mark busy times, and periodically cleaning up obsolete events. The solution is achieved using Google Apps Script which can easily be setup to run on a timed trigger and also allows for easy customisation to your specific needs.
The script is available on GitHub for those interested in trying it out, just follow the source link below.
Welcome to the culmination of my Google Apps Script development journey — the Apps Script Engine. This isn’t just another template; it results from countless hours of refinement, driven by the passion to create the ultimate tool for Apps Script developers. Every ounce of my experience, every lesson learned, has been poured into building this robust, opinionated, yet highly configurable template. It’s designed to empower you to confidently and easily tackle even the most complex projects.
Developing Google Apps Script projects can be a pain, especially when dealing with modern JavaScript features like ES6 modules, the need for fast local development, and integrating NPM modules. The Apps Script Engine Template tackles these challenges head-on, offering:
Seamless ES6 Modules Integration: Finally, you can use this missing JavaScript feature with Apps Script.
Blazing Fast Local Development: Mock functions and promisified google.script.run calls make local development a breeze.
Front-End Framework Support: Includes Alpine.js and Tailwind CSS out of the box, with easy TypeScript integration.
NPM Module Support: Integrate NPM modules into front-end and back-end code effortlessly.
Automated Testing: Set up with Jest, so you can ensure your code works as expected.
CI/CD Integration: Easy integration with tools like GitHub Actions and Cloud Build ensures smooth, automated deployments.
Environment Management: Easily manage different environments (DEV, UAT, PROD) with specific configurations.
[Editor] This post from Dmitry Kostyuk introduces the Apps Script Engine, a template designed to streamline Google Apps Script development. It addresses common challenges by providing seamless integration of ES6 modules, fast local development, support for front-end frameworks and NPM modules, automated testing, CI/CD integration, and environment management.
The template simplifies the setup process, allowing developers to quickly create new projects. It offers a well-structured file system, including folders for compiled files, environment management tools, and source code.
Key features include the ability to use NPM modules in both client-side and server-side code, a custom Vite plugin for bundling, and Git hooks for automated formatting and testing. The template also facilitates environment management, making it easy to deploy code to different Google Apps Script projects.
For web apps, the template supports local development with a development server, and it provides a promisified version of google.script.run for cleaner code even allowing the easy mocking of server-side functions for realistic testing. The template also allows you to build scripts for different environments and even supports deploying libraries to NPM.
This is an incredibly impressive piece of work and Dmitry is encouraging contributions: “Your feedback, fresh ideas, and contributions are not just welcome — they’re what will make this tool even better. Let’s push the boundaries of what we can achieve with Google Apps Script together!”
I recently explored the transformative power of Generative AI (GenAI) and how it’s reshaping the business landscape in a thought leadership piece for my employer, Appsbroker | CTS. Drawing from my experience in Gemini for Workspace pilots and custom GenAI solutions using the Gemini API in Vertex AI, I highlighted how AppSheet, a no/low-code platform, can be a game-changer.
AppSheet simplifies the integration of GenAI capabilities, enabling rapid prototyping and tailored solutions that deliver real-world results, whilst still benefiting from integrations into Google Workspace. I believe it’s a cost-effective and impactful way to harness GenAI’s potential without blowing the budget. In the article, I share some examples and the benefits of using AppSheet for GenAI innovation.
Curious to learn more? Join me at the Google Workspace Developer Summit in Berlin on September 17th, where I’ll be discussing AppSheet integrations, Gemini Function Calling, and more.
Today is a special milestone for Google Apps Script, as it marks its 15th year anniversary of its release back on August 19th, 2009! 🎉 🥂Since its release back in the day when Google Workspace was still known as Google Apps, Apps Script has been regularly leveraged by literally millions of users ranging from standard end users to professional developers and everything in between to automate and customize solutions to make their work (and play) better. 👩💻
To note the occasion, Google Technical Writer (and renown Apps Script expert & biggest fan 😍) Kara Ireland and I [Charles Maxson] put out a little YouTube Short video that we’d love to get trending to let folks see how Apps Script is still appreciated after all those years, so give it a ‘like’ and share it along if you will please 🙂
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the launch of Google Apps Script. As well as this YouTube short from Kara Ireland and Charles Maxson there is an accompanying LinkedIn post worth checking out, particularly the comments section which has attracted responses from the great and the good, as well as some Apps Script ‘archive’ materials.
In my early days of Apps Scripting I would often be asked, would the product survive. In many ways not only has Apps Script survived but in many ways thrived. That’s not to say it’s the perfect product. There are a number of areas where I’m sure myself and others would like to see Apps Script developed.
However, I still see many positive signs that Apps Script will be supported as a product. The advent of GenAI solutions like Gemini for Workspace have opened Apps Script up to a whole new audience, not only to people who are ‘gen creators’ and able to create script solutions mainly by prompts, but also developments in GenAI solutions to write and execute code.
So Happy Birthday Apps Script and here’s to many more!
You can apply to join the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program to get early access to certain features. Features in developer preview have already completed early development phases, so they’re ready for implementation. This program gives you the chance to shape the final stages of feature development with feedback, get pre-release support, and have your integration ready for public use on launch day.
The Google Workspace Developer Preview Program (DPP) gives you early access to new features. If you are developing Google Workspace products and solutions, it’s a great way to stay ahead of the curve and provide feedback before feature release. Anyone can apply to join the DPP, just follow the source link, but note that you can’t enroll with a gmail.com account.
New Google Chart Card UI has just been added for buttons, chips, collapsible sections, and overflow menus. These additions extend the capability of Google Chat, allowing the possibility for users to interact with external tools and services without leaving the chat and continually having to context switch.
The public documentation page includes a list of all active developer previews. While these pages don’t offer visuals of the features, existing DPP members received a nice set of visuals in the email update. This example includes chips and a customizable control button for a collapsible section:
I’d highly recommend registering for the DPP so you can see what is coming in Google Workspace.
This is a Google Apps Script library including useful scripts for supporting to development of applications by Google Apps Script. In the current stage, the 3 categories “For array processing”, “For binary processing”, and “For string processing” are included in this library.
Google Apps Script developers often find themselves grappling with repetitive tasks particularly when handling Google Sheets data like array manipulation and A1 notation handling. Fortunately, this little versatile library from Kanshi Tanaike called UtlApp is here to help you simplify many of these common challenges.
Array Processing Made Easy
UtlApp includes a number of powerful array processing methods that can significantly streamline your code. Need to rearrange your data? The transpose method makes it effortless to flip your rows and columns. Want to extract specific data points? getSpecificColumns allows you to pinpoint and retrieve the exact columns you need. Dealing with large datasets? Quickly identify the first empty row or column using get1stEmptyRow and get1stEmptyColumn. And when it’s time to convert your array data into a more structured format, convArrayToObject can transform it into a JSON object, ready for further manipulation or integration.
Simplifying String Processing
UtlApp helps with common string processing tasks specifically for Google Sheets users. With columnLetterToIndex and columnIndexToLetter, you can convert between column letters and indices, making it simpler to work with spreadsheet data. UtlApp also offers convenient methods for managing A1Notations, such as consolidating scattered ranges using consolidateA1Notations or expanding them with expandA1Notations.
Handling Binary Data
UtlApp doesn’t stop at arrays and strings; it can also handle Blobs with the blobToDataUrl method. This function can convert Blob data into a convenient data URL format, making it suitable for embedding images or other binary content directly within HTML or CSS. This simplifies the process of working with Blobs in web-based Google Apps Script applications.
Effortless Integration
Adding UtlApp to your Google Apps Script project is a breeze! You have three convenient options: add the library directly using its project key, copy the individual script source files for array, binary, and string processing or copy individual functions into your project.
To find out more follow the source link to the GitHub repository.
This report proposes a novel learning method using Gemini to automate Q&A generation, addressing the challenges of manual Q&A creation. By integrating with Google tools, this approach aims to enhance learning efficiency, accessibility, and personalization while reducing costs.
The rapid advancement of technology has offered both opportunities and challenges to the education sector. While technology can be a valuable tool for supporting teaching and learning, concerns about its appropriate use have existed for a long time.
The education sector is witnessing an increase in AI tools, each promising to enhance teaching and learning. However, the quality of these tools varies significantly. Some are better designed and can – if used appropriately – can be beneficial, while others are poorly designed. This can make it challenging for educators to find the right solutions that meet their specific needs.
This blog post by Kanshi Tanaike sheds light on the inner workings of some commercial AI tools developed for educators. It demonstrates how these tools can use generative AI to create multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on a given topic. In this particular solution, Google Forms are used in the process, with questions and answers automatically generated by the Gemini API for the user to answer in a Google Form.
For educators who have experience with Google Apps Script, this project looks like a useful starting point to refine and create your own solution or simply used to gain insights into the functioning of similar commercial tools.
I’m continually blown away by how much information Google Developer Advocate Chanel Greco squeezes into the Google Workspace Developer News video updates. It’s also great to see the continued development of features and services Workspace developers can use. This video covers a number of updates including:
Using the Tasks API to manage tasks assigned from Google Docs or Chat spaces.
The general availability of multiselect menus and columns for Google Workspace Add-ons.
Using the Chat API to make a Google Chat space discoverable to specific users within an organization by creating target audiences.
Authenticating Chat app requests using Cloud Functions, Cloud Run, or an App URL ID Token.
Importing spaces from other messaging platforms and allowing external users to join them.
The Google Drive API now supports the drive.meet.readonly scope.
Google Workspace admins can restrict which URLs Apps Scripts and Sheets can source external content from.
The video description includes all the related documentation links to find out more.
Learn how to convert Google Slides into high-resolution PNG images using Google Apps Script. Choose between the Google Slides API and the Google Drive API based on your requirements.
Here’s a useful snippet from Amit Agarwal exploring two methods exploring how to convert Google Slides to PNG images with Google Apps Script. The first approach uses the Google Slides API to get the thumbnail images of the slides, fetch the blob of the image, and then upload it to Google Drive. However, this method has limitations including predefined fixed widths and requires two URL fetches.
The second approach uses the Google Drive API, which offers advantages like generating images with the same resolution as the original slide and requiring a single URL fetch. For both code snippets follow the source link.
