Google Apps Script
You’ve probably landed on this page because, like most of us, the first time we ran a Google Apps Script we came across a gauntlet of ever-increasing warnings asking us if we truly want to run this script. That’s cool. This is just Google trying to protect users.
Unfortunately, it does make things a little confusing for the first time Google Apps Script coder.
So what’s happening?
When we run a Google Apps Script code it often needs access to read, edit or write in certain locations, like your Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc. Each action that impacts you the user requires certain levels of authorisation from you to access it.
Because giving this authorisation to your code can make changes to your Google environment, Google provides a slew of warnings to ensure you are confident in what you are doing.
Sure, this is annoying for the regular Google Apps Script developer, but it is an important protection for the everyday user.
Check out the video below for a walkthrough on how to run complete the authorisation process and run your code for the first time:
Authorisation Steps
So the basic steps are as follows:
The first time you run some code you will get a list of warnings and popup like this. 
First, click on advanced. The window will expand.
Then clickΒ Go to NAME OF PROJECT (Unsafe). This will open a new window with a list of all the things the code will access and provide authorisation for the script to use.
HitΒ Allow.Β
If you are running your script for the first time through a Menu item or Google Sheets button, you may have to go in and click the menu item again to run the code the first time.
This authorization process will only run once for your script unless you make changes that require changes to the scope (areas of access) of the script.
A Warning
Google has created this warning process for authorisation of scripts for good reason. It does not want you to fall victim to nefarious practices like data theft or deletion.
If you are running code you created on your own, no worries. You know what you wrote and it will be fine. However, if you are copying someone elses code for a project ensure you trust the author or read through the code to check it does what it says it does.
Most tutorial sites are fine and copying code from my tutorial or the sites I recommend in my Google Apps Script page won’t be a problem.Β And of course, the practice is not that rampant so don’t be so paranoid that you give up. Just be wary.
Looking to learn more about Google Apps Scripts in a more structured format? Udemy has some great courses that can get you from the basics to a real Google Apps Script pro.
Got a more specific problem you need help with, but donβt have the time to develop the skills? Make an enquiry on my 'Hire me!' page. I occasionally pick up projects. Alternatively, Fiverrβs your best bet to find a skilled Google Apps Script developer to solve your problem quickly and professionally. *
*The above affiliate links have been carefully researched to get you to what you specifically need. If you decide to click on one of these links it will cost you just the same as going to the site. If you decide to sign up, I just get a little pocket money to help pay for the costs of running this website.
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