DataRockie’s Modern Google Sheets video invites viewers to think about Google Sheets through programming concepts such as variables, data types, data structures, functions, conditions, and loops. This way of thinking can help organize formulas and data. It is important, however, to distinguish a spreadsheet with formulas from writing code and automating work with Apps Script.
The video was published on November 20, 2022, so references to “new features” describe the context at that time, not necessarily features newly released today. Its available discussion introduces topics but does not provide a complete tutorial for every one.
Topics introduced in the video
The presenter says the video will compare work in Google Sheets with a language such as Python, then introduce programming concepts: variables, data types, data structures, functions, control flow or conditions, and loops. The available segment introduces these topics but does not include enough examples to explain how to build loops in Sheets.
The introduction also mentions Named ranges and Named functions, a BigQuery demonstration through Sheets, and Timeline for project tracking. It begins to explain an API with an example of a mobile app requesting an updated menu from a server, but the discussion ends before explaining the server’s response or the full demonstration.
Formulas, named ranges, and named functions are different
- Cell formulas: Use functions built into Sheets, such as
=SUM(B2:B12), to calculate data. - Named range: Give a cell range a name such as
monthly_expenses, then use that name in a formula to make it easier to read. The name refers to a range, not a general-purpose programming variable. - Named function: Create a reusable formula from Sheets functions and import it into other spreadsheets. It can organize repeated formulas, but it does not turn Sheets into a general-purpose programming language.
- Apps Script: Write JavaScript to add functions, menus, or automation to Google Workspace. Start with Apps Script if you need scheduled code or integrations with other services.
Google distinguishes Named functions, which are built from spreadsheet formulas, from custom functions written with Apps Script. See the official guides to Named ranges, Named functions, and Apps Script.
BigQuery, Timeline, and APIs serve different purposes
Connected Sheets and BigQuery: These are useful when data is stored in BigQuery and you want to analyze it through Sheets features such as formulas, pivot tables, or charts. Reading and refreshing data depends on BigQuery permissions. Google’s Connected Sheets guide explains the connection and its limitations. The available video introduction does not support a step-by-step account of its demonstration.
Timeline view: This displays tasks or plans by date. Data should include a start date or time period. Availability may depend on the account or Workspace edition; check Google’s current guide to creating and editing Timeline view.
API: An API allows software to communicate with another service and request information. In the video example, an app asks a server for a menu. The Google Sheets API is a REST interface for reading and editing spreadsheet data, not another formula to enter in a cell.
Choose the tool that matches the task
- For calculations or transformations in a table, start with formulas already available in Sheets.
- To make repeated formulas easier to read, name a range or create a Named function.
- For menus, buttons, automation, or integrations, use Apps Script and review the permissions the script needs.
- For data stored in BigQuery, check whether Connected Sheets and your account permissions fit the task.
- For schedules, use Timeline view when the data contains dates and your account supports it.
The presenter’s concept is useful as a way to think about organizing formulas and data into repeatable steps. When describing a task as “programming,” specify whether it uses a spreadsheet formula, a Named function, or Apps Script code.
About this guide
- Modern Google Sheets — DataRockie.
- This guide covers selected examples introduced in the video; it is not a complete walkthrough.
- The video listing gives a publication date of November 20, 2022. Check Google’s current documentation before relying on feature availability or instructions.