Building Standalone Web Applications with Google Apps Script

Hey there, web wizards! Welcome to the magical world of building standalone web applications with Google Apps Script. In this article, we'll take you on a journey to create web apps that can stand on their own, outside the realm of Google Workspace. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to dive into the realms of HTML Service, UI Service, and deploying your web apps!

Overview of HTML Service and UI Service

When it comes to building web applications, having a robust user interface is crucial. That's where HTML Service and UI Service come to the rescue! These are the enchanting tools that Google Apps Script provides to help you create visually stunning and user-friendly web forms and interfaces.

HTML Service for Creating User Interfaces

HTML Service is like a magical artist's canvas where you can paint your web app's user interface using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It allows you to create beautiful web forms and pages that can be easily integrated with your Google Apps Script projects.

To begin the journey of creating a web app with HTML Service, follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Apps Script project.
2. Click on "File" -> "New" -> "HTML File" to create a new HTML file.
3. Start crafting your web app's interface using HTML and CSS, just like you would in any regular web development project.

Building Basic Web Forms with UI Service

UI Service is a fantastic assistant that provides a simplified way to create user interfaces without diving too deep into HTML and CSS. If you're not a seasoned web developer, UI Service will be your best friend!

Let's create a simple web form using UI Service:

function doGet() { var app = UiApp.createApplication(); var nameLabel = app.createLabel('Name:'); var nameTextBox = app.createTextBox().setId('name'); var submitButton = app.createButton('Submit'); var handler = app.createServerClickHandler('onSubmit'); handler.addCallbackElement(nameTextBox); submitButton.addClickHandler(handler); app.add(nameLabel); app.add(nameTextBox); app.add(submitButton); return app; } function onSubmit(e) { var name = e.parameter.name; var app = UiApp.getActiveApplication(); app.add(app.createLabel('Hello, ' + name + '!')); return app; }

The doGet() function creates a simple form with a textbox for the user to input their name and a submit button. The onSubmit() function gets triggered when the user clicks the submit button and displays a friendly greeting message.

Deploying Web Apps

Now that you've created your beautiful web app, it's time to let it shine on the world wide web! But first, you need to deploy it.

Explanation of How to Deploy Standalone Web Applications

To deploy your web app, follow these steps:

1. Save your Google Apps Script project by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl + S.
2. Click on "Publish" -> "Deploy as web app."
3. In the deployment dialog, choose the following options:

• "Project version": New
• "Execute the app as": Me (your email address)
• "Who has access to the app": Anyone, even anonymous

Comparing Different Deployment Options and Permissions

When deploying your web app, you'll encounter various options and permissions. Let's briefly compare them:

• Execute the app as: You can choose to run the app as yourself or as the user accessing the app. Running as yourself allows the app to access your resources, but running as the user may require additional permissions.
• Who has access to the app: You can decide whether the app should be accessible to anyone, only people within your organization, or specific individuals.

Summary of Key Takeaways:

• HTML Service and UI Service are powerful tools for creating user interfaces in Google Apps Script, enabling you to build visually appealing web forms and interfaces for your standalone web applications.
• Deploying web apps involves saving your project, choosing deployment options, and granting necessary permissions to determine who can access your app.

Congratulations, web wizards! You've now unlocked the secrets of building standalone web applications with Google Apps Script. But hold on tight; there's still more to explore! In our next and final article, we'll unveil the wonders of deploying web apps as Google Workspace add-ons. So keep reading, keep coding, and let's continue our fantastic journey!