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Access Google Sheets Data Using a Service Account

Accessing Google Sheets data programmatically can be essential for server-side applications that need to read or manipulate spreadsheet data without human interaction. Whether you’re automating reports, synchronizing data, or managing inventory systems, accessing Google Sheets through a Service Account provides a secure and efficient solution for backend environments.

This tutorial will guide you through accessing a Google Sheet’s data from Genezio using a Service Account, which is ideal for server environments.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

  • A Google Account: Access to the Google Cloud Console.
  • An Existing Google Spreadsheet: A Google Sheet that you want to access.

Step 1: Enable the Google Sheets API

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To access Google Sheets programmatically, you first need to enable the Google Sheets API in your Google Cloud project.

  1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.

  2. Create a New Project (if you don’t have one):

    • Click the project dropdown at the top of the page.
    • Click New Project.
    • Enter a project name (e.g., “Google Sheets Node.js Access”).
    • Click Create.

  3. Select Your Project:

    • Ensure your new project is selected in the project dropdown.

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  4. Enable the Google Sheets API:

    • Navigate to APIs & Services > Dashboard.
    • Click Enable APIs and Services.
    • Search for Google Sheets API.
    • Click on Google Sheets API and then click Enable.

    With the API enabled, your project can now interact with Google Sheets data programmatically, preparing for the next steps.

Step 2: Create a Service Account and Generate a Key File

A Service Account allows server-side applications to authenticate without user interaction.

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  1. Navigate to Service Accounts:

    • Go to APIs & Services > Credentials.
    • Click on Create Credentials and select Service Account.

  2. Create a Service Account:

    • Service Account Name: Enter a name (e.g., “sheets-access-account”).
    • Service Account ID: This will auto-populate based on the name.
    • Description: Optional.
    • Click Create and Continue.

  3. Set Service Account Permissions:

    • For this tutorial, you don’t need to grant any specific roles.
    • Click Continue.

  4. Grant Users Access to This Service Account:

    • Skip this step by clicking Done.

  5. Generate a JSON Key File:

    • You should now see your service account listed.
    • Click on the Service Account you just created.
    • Navigate to the Keys tab.
    • Click Add Key > Create New Key.
    • Choose JSON as the key type.
    • Click Create.
    • A JSON key file will be downloaded to your computer (e.g., service-account-key.json).

  6. Secure the Key File:

Important: Do not commit this file to version control. It’s sensitive information.

Step 3: Share the Spreadsheet with the Service Account Email

The Service Account acts like a virtual user. You need to share the spreadsheet with the Service Account’s email address.

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  1. Get the Service Account Email:

    • In the Details tab of your Service Account, locate the Email field.
    • It will look like: your-service-account-name@your-project-id.iam.gserviceaccount.com.

  2. Share the Spreadsheet:

    • Open your Google Sheet in a browser.
    • Click the Share button.
    • Enter the Service Account email.
    • Set the permission to Editor (or Viewer if you only need read access).
    • Click Send.

 

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