7 Beginner-Friendly Google Apps Script Books to Kickstart Your Skills

Experts Laurence Lars Svekis, Barrie Roberts, and Daniel Lawrie recommend these Google Apps Script books perfect for newcomers eager to build solid foundations

Updated on June 24, 2025
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Every expert in Google Apps Script started exactly where you are now—curious but cautious about diving into scripting. The beauty of Google Apps Script lies in its accessibility: it allows you to automate and customize Google's powerful suite without needing a computer science degree. Whether you want to streamline your workflow or build simple apps, learning the basics gradually is key to success.

Seasoned instructors like Laurence Lars Svekis, a Google Developer Expert who has decades of programming experience, and Barrie Roberts, a dedicated educator focused on Google Workspace tools, have crafted books that guide you patiently through your first scripts. Their teachings blend clear explanations with practical examples, making tricky concepts like APIs and triggers feel approachable. Daniel Lawrie also offers straightforward guidance to turn daily tasks into automated workflows without overwhelming you.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Google Apps Script book that meets them exactly where they are. This way, you get a learning path that fits your background and ambitions perfectly, helping you build confidence step by step.

Best for step-by-step Google Sheets starters
Barrie Roberts has been teaching since 2006 and has authored multiple books focused on Google Workspace and Apps Script. His expertise shines through in this beginner-friendly guide, crafted to help you navigate the complexities of Google Apps Script with confidence. Roberts’s step-by-step method is designed to empower you to automate tasks and enhance your productivity, making scripting approachable and practical for newcomers.

What started as a teaching challenge for Barrie Roberts became a clear path for beginners to master Google Apps Script without feeling overwhelmed. His book guides you from your first simple script to automating complex tasks in Google Sheets and Forms, breaking down concepts like loops, arrays, and triggers with approachable examples. You'll explore practical chapters on manipulating spreadsheets and creating dynamic forms, all designed to build your confidence in scripting regardless of your prior coding experience. If you want a solid foundation that demystifies automation within Google's ecosystem, this book provides exactly that, though it’s best suited for those ready to invest time in learning rather than seeking quick fixes.

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Best for hands-on scripting practice
Laurence Lars Svekis is a bestselling online instructor and Google Developer Expert with decades of programming experience dating back to the 1990s. His passion for technology and teaching shines through in this book, where he shares an accessible, exercise-driven approach to mastering Google Apps Script. Laurence’s background makes him uniquely qualified to break down complex scripting into manageable lessons that empower you to harness Google’s tools effectively.
2024·234 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps G Suite, Automation, Scripting Basics

Laurence Lars Svekis, a Google Developer Expert and seasoned instructor, crafted this book to make coding with Google Apps Script approachable for everyone. You’ll start by learning how to automate simple tasks within Google Sheets, such as logging data and modifying cells, through 120 interactive exercises that build your skills progressively. As you advance, you’ll tackle integrating external APIs and managing dynamic data across Google services like Drive and Gmail. Whether you’re a beginner eager to understand scripting fundamentals or looking to automate complex workflows, this book guides you clearly and practically without overwhelming you.

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Best for personal learning plans
This AI-created book on Google Apps Script is crafted based on your background and comfort level with coding. By sharing what scripting topics interest you and your goals, the book provides a tailored learning path that eases you into automation without overwhelm. It focuses on foundational skills at your own pace, ensuring you build confidence step-by-step while mastering essential Apps Script techniques.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Apps Script, Scripting Basics, Automation, Triggers, Google Sheets

This tailored book explores the foundational skills of Google Apps Script with a clear, progressive approach designed specifically for beginners. It covers core concepts step-by-step, allowing you to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. The content is personalized to match your background and pace, focusing on the essential elements needed to start scripting effectively. From understanding basic syntax to creating simple automations, it reveals practical techniques that empower you to customize Google Workspace tools with ease. By addressing your specific goals and learning preferences, this book creates a comfortable learning journey that makes mastering Google Apps Script approachable and rewarding. It emphasizes gradual skill-building and nurtures your scripting confidence through targeted, relevant lessons tailored just for you.

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Best for practical workflow automation beginners
Daniel Lawrie’s book offers a welcoming starting point for those new to Google Apps Script, focusing on the practical benefits of automating common tasks across Google products like Sheets, Docs, and Gmail. This guide presents scripting not as a daunting programming challenge but as a tool anyone can learn to streamline workflows and save time. By emphasizing clear explanations and real examples, the book appeals especially to beginners looking to gain confidence and practical skills in Google Apps Script without being overwhelmed.
2023·165 pages·Google Apps Script, Google, Automation, Google Sheets, Gmail

What started as a desire to simplify repetitive tasks in Google Workspace led Daniel Lawrie to craft this approachable guide to Google Apps Script. You learn how to harness scripting to automate actions across Google Sheets, Docs, and Gmail, including sending conditional emails and creating custom reports. The book breaks down coding concepts clearly, making it accessible even if you’ve never programmed before. If you want a straightforward entry point to automate daily workflows without getting overwhelmed, this guide offers exactly that.

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Best for progressive Google Workspace learners
Laurence Lars Svekis is a best selling online instructor and Google Developer Expert with decades of experience creating computer applications. His passion for technology and teaching shines through this book, which is designed specifically to guide you step-by-step through mastering Google Apps Script. Laurence’s background ensures you’re learning from someone who not only understands the technical details but also knows how to communicate clearly to newcomers eager to unlock the power of Google Workspace automation.
2024·434 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Automation, Scripting, Google Workspace

When Laurence Lars Svekis, a Google Developer Expert and seasoned online instructor, set out to write this book, he aimed to break down barriers for newcomers to Google Apps Script. You learn by doing, moving from basic scripts to integrating APIs and managing data across Google Workspace apps like Sheets, Docs, and Gmail. The book’s example-driven chapters build your skills progressively, offering templates you can adapt to automate workflows and solve practical problems. If you want a clear path into scripting that respects your beginner status but challenges you to advance, this book fits that role well.

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Best for JavaScript-aware beginners
Ramalingam Ganapathy brings over 15 years of JavaScript and Google Apps Script experience to this book, drawing on his extensive software development career and freelancing success. His detailed yet accessible approach helps you master Google Apps Script fundamentals, empowering you to automate and customize Google applications with confidence and clarity.
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by Ramalingam Ganapathy··You?

2016·232 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Apps (G Suite), Automation, Google Apps, Scripting

Ramalingam Ganapathy's extensive background in JavaScript and decades of experience in software development inform this approachable guide to Google Apps Script. You’ll learn how to customize and automate Google applications by creating menus, sending emails, and building interactive web forms—skills explained through clear code snippets and practical examples, such as generating calendar events and integrating external APIs. This book suits those who already have some JavaScript knowledge but are new to Google Apps Script, offering a gradual introduction to developing add-ons and automations that enhance everyday workflows.

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Best for personalized workflow building
This AI-created book on Google Workspace automation is tailored to your specific skill level and goals. By sharing what you already know and what you want to focus on, you get a learning path designed to remove overwhelm and build confidence gradually. It’s perfect for those who want to master Apps Script without feeling lost, with clear explanations and a pace suited just for you. This approach ensures you engage deeply with the material, making automation accessible and practical for your daily workflow.
2025·50-300 pages·Google Apps Script, Google Workspace, Apps Script Basics, Workflow Automation, Custom Functions

This tailored book explores the essentials of creating custom Google Workspace workflows using Apps Script, designed to match your background and goals. It offers a gradual introduction that builds confidence by focusing on foundational concepts without overwhelming you. The content is carefully tailored to your learning pace, helping you progress step-by-step from core scripting basics to building powerful, personalized automations. Throughout, the book reveals how to harness Apps Script to streamline your daily tasks within Google Workspace, making automation approachable and relevant to your unique needs. By addressing your specific interests, this personalized guide ensures an engaging and effective learning experience.

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Best for no-code automation enthusiasts
Serge Insas has spent much of his career manufacturing professional audio equipment and developed a passion for simplifying complex tasks through programming. His curiosity led him to master JavaScript and become a Google Top Contributor by assisting users in the Google Apps Script forum. This book reflects his practical approach, guiding you step-by-step to harness Google Apps Script's capabilities even if you're starting from scratch, making it a great entry point for anyone eager to boost efficiency using Google tools.
2014·178 pages·Google Apps Script, Google, Google Apps (G Suite), Google Apps G Suite, Automation

Serge Insas brings a unique perspective to Google Apps Script, shaped by years of hands-on experience simplifying complex audio manufacturing tasks. This book walks you through practical projects, such as creating custom spreadsheet functions and automating email filtering, that reveal how to leverage Google Apps Script without prior programming knowledge. You’ll gain clear insights into integrating Google services, crafting forms, and even publishing web apps tailored to daily workflows. It's especially suited for those who want to automate routine tasks within Google’s ecosystem and learn by doing, rather than wading through abstract theory or jargon.

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Best for spreadsheet automation novices
Klemens Nguyen’s "25 Google Sheets for Practitioners" stands out by providing detailed, step-by-step guidance tailored for newcomers eager to unlock the potential of Google Sheets through Apps Script. The book covers a range of practical topics from automating routine tasks to creating dynamic dashboards, making it a solid starting point for anyone looking to enhance their data handling and automation skills. It’s designed to help you not only understand but also apply Apps Script effectively to everyday spreadsheet challenges, benefiting professionals who want to save time and improve productivity.
2023·50 pages·Google Sheets, Google Apps Script, Data Management, Automation, Apps Script

Klemens Nguyen’s book offers a clear, hands-on path for anyone eager to master Google Sheets through Apps Script automation. You’ll learn to cut down tedious manual tasks by creating scripts that automate data entry, generate dynamic reports, and send scheduled emails. The book walks you through integrating APIs, building dashboards, and setting up approval workflows, all explained with straightforward examples that don’t overwhelm. If you’re someone managing data regularly and want to save time while enhancing your spreadsheet capabilities, this guide provides practical insights without unnecessary jargon.

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Conclusion

This collection of seven books highlights a clear theme: learning Google Apps Script is about building confidence through clear, practical guidance tailored to beginners. From step-by-step introductions to hands-on exercises and real-world projects, these books ease you into scripting at a comfortable pace.

If you’re completely new, starting with Barrie Roberts’s "Beginner's Guide to Google Apps Script 1 & 2" or Daniel Lawrie’s approachable automation guide will give you a solid footing. For those eager to deepen skills progressively, Laurence Lars Svekis’s books offer a journey from basics to advanced workspace automation. Klemens Nguyen’s focused approach on Sheets adds targeted value for spreadsheet-heavy tasks.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Google Apps Script book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in mastering Google Apps Script.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Beginner's Guide to Google Apps Script 1 & 2" by Barrie Roberts. It breaks down scripting fundamentals in clear steps, perfect for easing into Google Apps Script basics without feeling overwhelmed.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Google Apps Script?

No, all included books are designed with beginners in mind, offering clear explanations and practical projects that require no prior coding experience, making the learning curve manageable.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Barrie Roberts or Daniel Lawrie's guides for fundamentals, then progress to Laurence Lars Svekis’s books for more advanced topics and practical exercises to deepen your understanding.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on the book that matches your learning style. Newer books like Laurence Lars Svekis’s provide interactive exercises, while classics like Serge Insas’s guide focus on practical automation—both can be valuable.

Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Google Apps Script?

Some books like Ramalingam Ganapathy’s "Learning Google Apps Script" are great if you have JavaScript basics and want to deepen your Google Apps Script skills. Choose based on your comfort level.

Can I get a Google Apps Script book tailored just for my goals?

Yes! While these expert books offer solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Google Apps Script book tailored to your background, learning pace, and specific interests for an efficient, customized experience.

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