Unlocking User Secrets: How to Get Current User Details in Google Sheets using App Scripts

Getting Started with App Scripts

Before we dive into the code, make sure you have a basic understanding of App Scripts and its capabilities. If you’re new to App Scripts, here’s a quick primer:

App Scripts is a cloud-based scripting platform that allows you to automate tasks, create custom functions, and integrate Google Sheets with other services.

To access App Scripts in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Sheet.

2. Click on the Tools menu.

3. Select Script editor.

The Magic of Session.getActiveUser()

The Session.getActiveUser() method is the key to unlocking user details in App Scripts. This method returns an object containing information about the current user, including their email address, name, and other properties.

function getCurrentUserDetails() {
  var user = Session.getActiveUser();
  Logger.log(user.getEmail());
  Logger.log(user.getUserName());
  Logger.log(user.getUserLoginId());
}

In this example, the Session.getActiveUser() method returns an object containing the current user’s email address, name, and login ID, which are then logged using the Logger service.

Getting User Details in Google Sheets

Now that we’ve got the user details using Session.getActiveUser(), let’s integrate this information into a Google Sheet.

Create a new sheet with the following columns:

Next, create a script that writes the user details to the sheet:

function writeUserDetailsToSheet() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var user = Session.getActiveUser();
  var userDetails = [
    user.getEmail(),
    user.getUserName(),
    user.getUserLoginId()
  ];
  sheet.appendRow(userDetails);
}

In this script, we first get the active sheet using SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet(). Then, we use Session.getActiveUser() to get the user details and store them in an array. Finally, we append the user details to the sheet using sheet.appendRow(userDetails).

Triggering the Script

To automate the process of writing user details to the sheet, we’ll create a trigger that runs the script whenever a user opens the sheet.

Follow these steps to create a trigger:

1. In the App Scripts editor, click on the Triggers button in the left-hand menu.

2. Click on the + Create trigger button.

3. Select On open as the trigger type.

4. Set the function to run to writeUserDetailsToSheet.

5. Click Save to save the trigger.

Security and Permissions

When working with user details, it’s essential to ensure that your script adheres to Google’s security and permission guidelines.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Always use the Session.getActiveUser() method to get user details, as it provides a secure way to access user information.

• Limit access to user details to authorized personnel only.

• Use data encryption and secure storage to protect sensitive user information.

• Comply with Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the world of App Scripts and unlocked the secrets of getting current user details in Google Sheets. By using the Session.getActiveUser() method and integrating it with a Google Sheet, you can track user activity, create custom dashboards, and enhance collaboration.

Remember to follow best practices for security and permissions, and always keep your script up-to-date with the latest App Scripts features and guidelines.

Happy coding, and don’t forget to say hello to your users!

Note: This article is SEO optimized for the keyword “How to get current user details in google sheets using app scripts” and includes relevant tags, header tags, and formatting to improve readability. However, please ensure that you test and validate the code and script provided in this article before implementing it in your production environment.

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