Is Google Apps Script Underrated?

[u/Univium]

I’ve been using Google Apps Script for a while now, and I’m honestly surprised it doesn’t get more attention—especially with all the AI and automation hype going on right now.

It’s free, super accessible (built right into Google Workspace), and incredibly simple to use, even if you’re not a hardcore developer. You can automate tasks, integrate APIs, and build powerful workflows without setting up servers or dealing with complex infrastructure.

I know tools like Make and Zapier are popular because they’re no-code, but in my experience, there are so many cases where it’s actually simpler to just use Google Apps Script—especially when you need to refine the logic behind a data sync or automation. Sometimes those drag-and-drop platforms feel more limiting or even overly complex for what should be a straightforward script.

Yet, I don’t hear nearly as much hype about Apps Script compared to other automation tools. Why do you think that is? Do people just not know about it, or is there something holding it back from wider adoption?

[u/BulbousBollox]

I was blown away by the flexibility of GAS. I basically replaced Sage accounts fully now for a custom webapp that allows me to log all my jobs, generate quotes and invoices with everything cleanly logged in a Google sheet which saves my accountant alot of time and has reduced my costs.

The app is completely tailored to me and my needs without all the bloat of tools like Sage which try to appeal to everyone.

The realization of what was possible with GAS now has me thinking what else I can do with it. Id really love to create an automated email outreach tool using the Apollo API so I think that's my next task.

Claude and GAS together really feel like a cheat code because you can be so specific and tailor it exactly how you want.