Google Apps Script Platform

A Google Apps Script Platform is a cloud-based lightweight application development platform within the Google Workspace Platform that enables Google Workspace automation and Google service integration.

• AKA: Google Apps Script, GAS Platform, Google Script Platform.
• Context:
  • It can provide Google Apps Script IDE for Google Apps Script cloud-based development.
  • It can execute Google Apps Script Code in Google Apps Script V8 Runtime.
  • It can integrate with Google Workspace Service through Google Apps Script API.
  • It can enable Google Workspace Automation via Google Apps Script functions.
  • It can support Google Apps Script Debugging through Google Apps Script cloud debugger tools.
  • It can deploy Google Apps Script Web App through Google Apps Script deployment process.
  • It can implement Google Apps Script RESTful API Service via Google Apps Script web app mechanism.
  • It can publish Google Apps Script Add-on to Google Workspace Marketplace.
  • It can create Google Apps Script API Executable for Google Apps Script programmatic interaction.
  • It can connect to External API Service using Google Apps Script UrlFetchApp service.
  • ...
  • It can often host Google Apps Script Custom Menu for Google Apps Script Workspace applications.
  • It can often manage Google Apps Script Deployment through Google Apps Script Cloud Console.
  • It can often handle Google Apps Script Version via Google Apps Script Drive storage.
  • It can often control Google Apps Script Permission through Google Apps Script security system.
  • It can often monitor Google Apps Script Execution via Google Apps Script logging system.
  • It can often implement Google Apps Script Authentication System for Google Apps Script web app access control.
  • It can often publish Google Apps Script Workspace Add-on across Google Apps Script multiple applications.
  • It can often distribute Google Apps Script Editor Add-on for Google Apps Script specific application.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Development Google Apps Script Platform to being a Production Google Apps Script Platform, depending on its Google Apps Script deployment environment.
  • It can range from being a Basic Google Apps Script Platform to being an Enterprise Google Apps Script Platform, depending on its Google Apps Script service tier.
  • It can range from being a Single User Google Apps Script Platform to being an Organization Google Apps Script Platform, depending on its Google Apps Script access scope.
  • It can range from being a Rhino Runtime Google Apps Script Platform to being a V8 Runtime Google Apps Script Platform, depending on its Google Apps Script JavaScript engine.
  • It can range from being a Web App Google Apps Script Platform to being an API Executable Google Apps Script Platform, depending on its Google Apps Script deployment type.
  • ...
  • It can have Google Apps Script Library for Google Apps Script code reuse.
  • It can perform Google Apps Script Testing via Google Apps Script test functions.
  • It can maintain Google Apps Script Security through Google Apps Script oauth system.
  • It can support Google Apps Script Collaboration via Google Apps Script sharing system.
  • It can implement Google Apps Script Monitoring through Google Apps Script admin console.
  • It can support Google Apps Script Best-Practice through Google Apps Script code review checklists and Google Apps Script linting tools.
  • It can support Google Apps Script Documentation Standard via Google Apps Script JSDoc annotations and Google Apps Script inline comment guidelines.
  • It can provide Google Apps Script Permission Model with Google Apps Script execute-as-me option and Google Apps Script execute-as-user option.
  • It can enable Google Apps Script Web Service through Google Apps Script doGet function and Google Apps Script doPost function.
  • It can perform Google Apps Script External API Integration using Google Apps Script OAuth authorization and Google Apps Script API key authentication.
  • It can maintain Google Apps Script Versioned Deployment for Google Apps Script production stability.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2007), with Google Apps Script spreadsheet automation capability as a Google Apps Script side project.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2009-May), with Google Apps Script pilot release and Google Apps Script beta testing program.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2009-August), with Google Apps Script official launch for Google Apps Script Premier Edition customers and Google Apps Script Education Edition customers.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2009-2020), with Google Apps Script Rhino JavaScript runtime supporting Google Apps Script basic JavaScript functionality.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2014), with Google Apps Script add-on capability for Google Apps Script Docs, Google Apps Script Sheets, and Google Apps Script Slides.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2020), with Google Apps Script V8 runtime upgrade supporting Google Apps Script modern ECMAScript features.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2020), with Google Apps Script enhanced IDE providing Google Apps Script improved development experience.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2022), with Google Apps Script legacy editor retirement and Google Apps Script new editor adoption.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2023), with Google Apps Script version control functionality and Google Apps Script project history capability.
  • Google Apps Script Platform (2024), with Google Apps Script 15th anniversary milestone.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Microsoft Power Platform, which uses proprietary automation language instead of Google Apps Script JavaScript syntax.
  • Zapier Automation Platform, which provides third-party integration but lacks Google Apps Script native Google service access.
  • Office Scripts Platform, which is limited to Excel web automation rather than Google Apps Script cross-application capability.
  • Google Cloud Functions, which requires complex deployment process and infrastructure management unlike Google Apps Script simplified deployment.
  • Apps Script Alternative Platforms, such as Google Cloud Platform and Google App Engine, which need separate runtime environment rather than Google Apps Script integrated runtime.
• See: Google Development Platform, Google Cloud Service, Google Workspace Development, Cloud Script Platform, Google Automation Framework.

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References

2025-03-22

• Perplexity.ai
  • Question: What is the history of Google Apps Script and what deployment capabilities does it offer? Please include information about its origins, evolution over time, and the various deployment types it supports today.
  • Answer: Google Apps Script evolved from a humble side project to one of Google's most popular developer platforms, enabling automation and customization across Google Workspace. The platform has a rich history and offers various deployment options for developers today.
    • Origins and Evolution:
      • The Genesis of Apps Script:
        • Google Apps Script was initially developed by Mike Harm as a side project while working as a developer on Google Sheets.
        • Mike Harm's inspiration came from teaching an "Intro to Computers" class where non-computer science students created impressive projects once technical barriers were removed.
        • When joining Google in 2007 as a programmer working on Google Sheets, he sought to make the API more user-friendly.
        • This led to a "stealth, side project" - a JavaScript-based scripting language for spreadsheets designed to be accessible to non-traditional programmers.
      • Official Launch and Early Development:
        • Google Apps Script was first introduced in May 2009 as a pilot release.
        • On August 19, 2009, it was officially launched to all Google Apps Premier and Education Edition customers.
        • Initially, the platform was accessible through the "Scripts" option in the Google Spreadsheets "Tools" menu.
        • From its inception, Google Apps Script was designed to automate features across Google's productivity suite.
        • One early example was an "Expense Approval Script" that streamlined the expense report submission and approval process.
      • Growth and Milestone Achievements:
        • What started as a small experiment has grown significantly over the years.
        • On August 19, 2024, Google Apps Script celebrated its 15th anniversary.
        • Over the years, the platform has seen numerous improvements and expansions.
        • Google retired the legacy editor in September 2022, introduced improved version control functionality, and continuously enhanced the development experience.
    • Deployment Types:
      • Web Apps:
        • One of the most versatile deployment options is publishing scripts as web apps, accessible via a unique URL.
        • Requirements: Scripts must contain either a `doGet(e)` or `doPost(e)` function that returns an HTML or Text output object.
        • Deployment Process: Deployed through the Apps Script editor by selecting "Deploy > New deployment" and choosing "Web app" as the deployment type.
        • Permission Models: "Execute as me" runs as the script owner; "Execute as user" runs under the identity of the active user.
        • Access Control: Can be restricted to specific users or opened to anyone.
        • Additional Features: Can be embedded in Google Sites and implement browser history APIs to simulate multi-page applications.
      • API Executable:
        • For more programmatic interaction, scripts can be deployed as API executables, enabling remote execution via the Google Apps Script API.
        • Requirements: Must be deployed specifically as an API executable, requires a properly scoped OAuth Token, and the script and calling application must share a common Google Cloud Project.
        • Use Case: Allows external applications to call specific functions within your Apps Script project and receive responses.
      • RESTful API Services:
        • Google Apps Script can be used to create lightweight RESTful APIs or web services.
        • Implementation: Uses the web app deployment mechanism but is specifically designed to handle API requests and return structured data (often in JSON format).
        • Request Handling: Processes parameters from the request URI through `doGet()` and `doPost()` methods.
        • Limitations: Cannot use URI extensions like "/products/get/"; must use query string parameters instead.
        • Benefits: Provides a simple way to create API endpoints without worrying about databases and hosting complexities.
      • Add-ons for Google Workspace:
        • Google Apps Script supports two types of add-ons that extend the functionality of Google Workspace applications:
        • Google Workspace Add-ons:
          • Work across multiple Google Workspace applications with a single codebase.
          • Supported host applications include Gmail, Calendar, Chat, Docs, Drive, Sheets, and Slides.
          • Provide customized interfaces that can display context-sensitive information.
        • Editor Add-ons:
          • Application-specific extensions that enhance functionality of particular Google Workspace editors.
        • Add-ons can be distributed privately within organizations or publicly through the Google Workspace Marketplace, with monetization options available for commercial add-ons.
      • External API Integration:
        • Google Apps Script can connect to external APIs and services across the web:
        • Connection Method: Uses the `UrlFetchApp` service to make API requests.
        • Authentication Support: Works with APIs requiring various authorization methods, including OAuth (with the help of libraries).
        • Data Processing: Includes built-in capabilities for handling JSON and XML data from external services.
      • Versioned Deployments:
        • For managing different iterations of your script projects, Google Apps Script supports versioned deployments:
        • Process: Access through "Deploy > Manage deployments" in the Apps Script editor.
        • Use Cases: Critical for add-ons, API executables, and maintaining stable production versions while continuing development.
  • Citations:

[1] https://www.benlcollins.com/apps-script/google-apps-script-beginner-guide/
[2] https://www.neenopal.com/GoogleAppScript.html
[3] https://developers.google.com/codelabs/apps-script-fundamentals-1
[4] https://developers.google.com/apps-script
[5] https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/apps-script-intro
[6] https://cloud.googleblog.com/2009/08/launched-google-apps-script.html
[7] https://mochiresearch.com/2021/08/03/how-to-navigate-apps-script-for-javascript-users/
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/labnol_celebrating-15-years-of-google-apps-script-activity-7231670362214682624-gI9K
[9] https://workspace.google.com/blog/apps-ecosystem/celebrating-10-years-of-apps-script-looking-back-on-how-it-started
[10] https://webapps.stackexchange.com/questions/159379/how-to-restore-an-old-version-in-google-apps-scripts-new-editor
[11] https://developers.google.com/apps-script/concepts/deployments
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voft0qZfkvw
[13] https://www.bpwebs.com/user-authentication-in-google-apps-script-web-apps/
[14] https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/web
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleAppsScript/comments/q5s95o/how_to_deploy_apps_script_as_web_app/
[16] https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/external
[17] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/65832570/how-to-script-google-advanced-services
[18] https://developers.google.com/apps-script/api/how-tos/execute
[19] https://trevorfox.com/2015/03/rest-api-with-google-apps-script/
[20] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/50397157/how-to-use-an-external-api-in-google-apps-script-that-requires-an-api-key
[21] https://developers.google.com/workspace/add-ons/concepts/types
[22] https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/paas/autonomous-database/serverless/adbsb/install.html
[23] https://developers.google.com/workspace/add-ons/how-tos/building-workspace-addons
[24] https://groups.google.com/g/google-apps-script-community/c/6zGDIHG1a2s

2023

• (Wikipedia, 2023) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Apps_Script Retrieved:2023-8-16.
  • Google Apps Script is a scripting platform developed by Google for light-weight application development in the Google Workspace platform. Google Apps Script was initially developed by Mike Harm as a side project while working as a developer on Google Sheets. Google Apps Script was first publicly announced in May 2009 when a beta testing program was announced by Jonathan Rochelle, then Product Manager for Google Docs. In August 2009 Google Apps Script was subsequently made available to all Google Apps Premier and Education Edition customers. It is based on JavaScript 1.6, but also includes some portions of 1.7 and 1.8 and a subset of the ECMAScript 5 API. Apps Script projects run server-side on Google's infrastructure. According to Google, Apps Script "provides easy ways to automate tasks across Google products and third party services." Apps Script is also the tool that powers the add-ons for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.

2023

• https://www.google.com/script/start/
  • QUOTE: ... Apps Script is a rapid application development platform that makes it fast and easy to create business applications that integrate with Google Workspace. ...

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