Three ways to fetch Datasette data into Google Sheets
The article documents three patterns for pulling data from a Datasette instance directly into Google Sheets: the built-in `importdata()` function, a named function wrapping it, and a Google Apps Script for authenticated requests.
Score breakdown
Developers using Datasette as a data backend can now choose the right Google Sheets integration pattern based on whether their instance requires API token authentication.
- 01Three methods are documented: `importdata()`, a named function wrapper, and Google Apps Script.
- 02`importdata()` does not support sending API tokens via HTTP headers.
- 03Google Apps Script is the recommended approach when authentication headers are required.
The post documents three patterns for integrating Datasette data directly into Google Sheets. The first and simplest approach uses Google Sheets' built-in `importdata()` function to fetch data from a Datasette endpoint. The second wraps `importdata()` in a Google Sheets "named function", providing a reusable abstraction for repeated queries.
The third pattern addresses a key limitation: `importdata()` cannot send custom HTTP headers, which means it cannot pass an API token for authenticated Datasette instances.
The third pattern addresses a key limitation: `importdata()` cannot send custom HTTP headers, which means it cannot pass an API token for authenticated Datasette instances. In those cases, a Google Apps Script is needed to handle the authenticated request. An example sheet demonstrating all three methods is provided alongside the notes.
Key facts
- 01Three methods are documented: `importdata()`, a named function wrapper, and Google Apps Script.
- 02`importdata()` does not support sending API tokens via HTTP headers.
- 03Google Apps Script is the recommended approach when authentication headers are required.
- 04An example Google Sheet demonstrating all three methods is linked in the post.
- 05The post is categorized as a TIL (Today I Learned) entry.
Topics
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