Google Apps Script Library Security

Google Apps Script Library Security: The Importance of Using Script Properties in Functions

Google Apps Script is a powerful platform that allows users to automate tasks and add functionality to Google Apps. However, with the power of scripting comes the responsibility to secure the code and data that it interacts with. This is especially important when using libraries, which are collections of pre-written code that can be easily imported and used in your own scripts.

One of the key ways to maintain the security of your code and data when using Google Apps Script libraries is to use script properties. Script properties are key-value pairs that are stored with your script and can be used to store sensitive information, such as API keys or secrets.

When using script properties in your code, it's important to use them correctly in order to maintain the security of your data. If you use a script property in the top-level scope of your code, it can be easily accessed by others who view your code. This means that any sensitive information stored in the script property is at risk of being compromised.

To avoid this, it's best to use script properties within functions. This way, the code is not directly accessible in the top-level scope and is instead only accessible through the function.

One way to use script properties within a function is to use the following code:

function code() { eval(PropertiesService.getScriptProperties().getProperty('code')) }

In this code, the function code uses the eval function to execute the code stored in the script property named "code". By using the eval function, the code stored in the script property is executed within the context of the function, making it more secure.

Another way to use script properties within a function is to use the following code:

function code() { eval(PropertiesService.getScriptProperties().getProperty('code')); return val; }

In this code, the function code uses the eval function to execute the code stored in the script property named "code". The code stored in the script property should define a variable named val, which will then be returned by the function.

To use this code, you would first set the script property "code" to contain the following code:

var val = "key";

or some other function that returns a value. This way, when the function code is called, it will execute the code stored in the script property and return the value stored in the val variable.

By using script properties within functions, you can ensure that sensitive information stored in your code is more secure and less accessible to others who may view your code. So if you're using Google Apps Script libraries, make sure to use script properties in your functions to maintain the security of your data.