In today’s data-driven world, businesses and individuals rely heavily on accurate and up-to-date information for making informed decisions. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are crucial in accessing and integrating data from various sources into different applications. One popular API data integration is importing API data into Google Sheets. Furthermore, it is a versatile and widely-used spreadsheet tool. This blog post will guide you through API integration and demonstrate how to import data from API to Google Sheets.
API data integration with Google Sheets offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it allows you to combine data from different APIs and sources into a centralized location for analysis and visualization. Furthermore, you can create powerful reports, dashboards, and charts using the familiar interface of Google Sheets. Secondly, it helps you ensure that your information is always up-to-date and reflects real-time changes.
The following guide will walk you through the process, from setting up a new sheet to running your custom script and importing API data. Let’s begin the journey now.
Table of Contents
What Are the Steps to Integrate an API Into Google Sheets?
This introductory API tutorial for beginners will begin with a straightforward task. Hence, allowing you to concentrate on the data without getting overwhelmed by extensive lines of code. Furthermore, our objective is to create a concise program that interacts with the Fixer API by APILayer.
Step 1: Open a New Sheet
Begin by creating a fresh Google Sheet and giving it a new name: “Fixer API.”
Step 2: Go to the Apps Script Editor
Navigate to Extensions > Apps Script Editor Window. Furthermore, it will give you the following output.
Step 3: Name Your Project
Name your project “Fixer API Integration.”
Step 4: Add API Example Code
Furthermore, add the following code to the Apps Script Editor.
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function callNumbers() { // Call the Numbers API for random math fact var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch("http://data.fixer.io/api/latest?access_key=YOURAPIKEY&format=1&_gl=1*nzqg1y*_ga*MTY2ODUxNzE5LjE2Nzg5NTQ3Mzg.*_ga_HGV43FGGVM*MTY4NzcyNjcyNC4yOS4xLjE2ODc3MjY3MjcuNTcuMC4w"); Logger.log(response.getContentText()); } |
We are utilizing the UrlFetchApp class to establish communication with external applications on the internet to retrieve resources and fetch a specific URL.
Finally your code window will resemble the following output.
Step 5: Run Your Function
Next, execute the function by selecting the “run” button on the toolbar.
Furthermore, you must save the code for the run button to work.
Step 6: Authorize Your Script To Import Data From API to Google Sheets
You will be prompted to grant authorization for your script to establish a connection with an external service. Furthermore, select “Review Permissions” and subsequently “Allow” to proceed.
Step 7: View the Logs To Import Data From API to Google Sheets
Great job! Your program has been successfully executed. It has sent a request to a third-party service and received a response containing the desired data.
Now, The question arises: How do we access and view this data?
Besides, you may have noticed that on line 5, we used the command Logger.log(…). It indicates that we have logged the response text in our log files.
So, let’s take a look at it.
Next, navigate to the menu button labeled “Execution Log.”
Furthermore, you can see the output or answer you are looking for.
Step 8: Add Data to Sheet
Combine these few lines of code with your current code:
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var fact = response.getContentText(); var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); sheet.getRange(1,1).setValue([fact]); |
The code should look like the below:
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function callNumbers() { // Call the Numbers API for random math fact var response = UrlFetchApp.fetch("http://data.fixer.io/api/latest?access_key=YOURAPIKEY&format=1&_gl=1*nzqg1y*_ga*MTY2ODUxNzE5LjE2Nzg5NTQ3Mzg.*_ga_HGV43FGGVM*MTY4NzcyNjcyNC4yOS4xLjE2ODc3MjY3MjcuNTcuMC4w"); Logger.log(response.getContentText()); var fact = response.getContentText(); var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); sheet.getRange(1,1).setValue([fact]); } |
Step 9: Run & Re-Authorize
Again, execute your program once more. A prompt will appear requesting permission for your script to access and control your spreadsheets in Google Drive. To proceed, click on the “Allow” button.
Step 10: See External Data in Your Sheet After You Import Data From API to Google Sheets
Next, you should see the data in google sheets now since we added Fixer data. Our output is as under.
We have successfully imported data from Fixer API to our Google Sheets.
Import Data From API to Google Sheets: Final Thoughts
API integration provides a powerful way to import data from various sources into Google Sheets. Hence, enabling seamless data analysis and visualization. Following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effortlessly connect to APIs, retrieve data, and import it into your spreadsheets.
This integration offers numerous benefits, including centralized data management, real-time updates, and collaborative data analysis. Furthermore, you can unlock the full potential of your data and make more informed decisions.
At the same time, you can harness the power of external data sources and empower your data-driven workflows in Google Sheets.
Import Data From API to Google Sheets: FAQs
Can Google Sheets Pull Data From an API?
Google Sheets can pull data from an API. Furthermore, Google Sheets lets users import data from external sources, including APIs, directly into their spreadsheets. Therefore, this feature enables seamless integration between various data providers and Google Sheets. Hence, making analyzing and visualizing data easier.
How Do I Get Data From API to a Spreadsheet?
You can utilize APIs like IMPORTJSON or IMPORTXML in Google Sheets to get data from an API to a spreadsheet. Moreover, you can also write a custom script using Google Apps Script to fetch and import the data.
How to Import Data From API to Google Sheets?
To import data using an API, you must identify the desired API and obtain the necessary credentials. Moreover, you can also use functions or scripts in your application to retrieve and integrate the data into your desired platform or application.
How Do I Refresh API Data in Google Sheets?
To refresh API data in Google Sheets, you can manually trigger a refresh by re-running the function or script that imports the data. Moreover, you may also automate the process using triggers to update the data at regular intervals.
Sign Up at APILayer today and get your favorite API to integrate with Google Sheets.
