Official Google Cloud Blog: Old tool, new tricks

Old tool, new tricks

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I like to think I can do practically anything in a spreadsheet. But it's probably more accurate to say that I like to *try* to do anything in a spreadsheet whether or not I can succeed.

Of course, my spreadsheet of choice is the kind I can access from anywhere and share in real time – in Google Docs. So, some would say that even when it makes no sense, I try to do things in a spreadsheet (case in point – my poker simulator – why'd I do that?) But there are some things I never thought possible, like sending an email or reading my calendar.

That's why we're excited to announce a limited test of a new feature which lets people add customization and automation to Google Apps, starting with spreadsheets in Google Docs. We call this feature Google Apps Script.

Google Apps Script provides the ability to automate a variety spreadsheet actions, such as reading and changing values in cells and ranges, changing formats and formulas, and creating custom functions. It also reaches outside of spreadsheets to allow you to send email or create calendar entries.

Check out the Google Apps Script overview, below, and watch our example of sending email from Google Spreadsheets.

As Google Apps Script is in limited test, we see it as a puppy who's still in training. In fact, just this week, he learned to fetch (URL content) and speak (translate to other languages). But we think he's ready now for some time outside his yard.

So we're inviting a limited number of Google Apps domains – about a thousand organizations – to start playing with Google Apps Script and giving us feedback so we can quickly understand which tricks would be the most beneficial to learn next.
If you're like me and like to stretch spreadsheets to their limit, and don't mind working with early release features, you can get involved in Google Apps Script now by applying to join this limited test phase.

Posted by Jonathan Rochelle, Product Manager, Google Docs

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6 comments :

Alexandre GomesMay 28, 2009 at 2:09 AM
Hi,

Great news knowing that google apps scripting is in active development.

On use case I have is to make a button in a spreadsheet with an attached script to inject data into appengine datastore models. Can you please inform me if this is in your short term plans?

Thanks,
Alexandre Gomes
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jeremyMay 28, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Jon,
Not to speak like a noob, but this is kind of boring. How about a little more lively presentation? I mean, if i should wander into this corner of the internet, why not have some compromised photos of Kelly Preston or perhaps Condi Rice to make it worth my while? Think it over.
-Jay
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ahabMay 29, 2009 at 2:57 AM
"If you're like me and like to stretch spreadsheets to their limit, and don't mind working with early release features, you can get involved in Google Apps Script now by applying to join this limited test phase."

I would love to join but I'm just a lowly public Google Account user with no access to a Google Apps account (I don't even own a domain).

How can *I* join this project?
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eclipseMay 30, 2009 at 7:23 PM
i REALY NEED this feauture ,actualy trying implement some kind of automated document generated but i failed using google api gadget.
realmente necesito esto ya que quiero generar automaticamente documentos a partir de una planilla pero he fallado usando las api de visualizacion
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pejMay 31, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Very cool. thanks :-)
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ScienceManJune 2, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Tried to sign up twice so far, but no response. Is this limited test phase actually active?
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Old tool, new tricks

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