Creating multiple reports in Google Sheets with JavaScript: Optimize data looping for efficiency

Other Questions Google Sheets
1

I’m new to JavaScript and learning it for Google Sheets. I’m working on a project to create reports using scripts because too many formulas were slowing down the sheet.

Here’s the issue: I have a sheet with form responses and need to generate reports from them, specifically for an Hourly Break Down sheet that currently supports only one report out of four. You select a team name in cell A28 and a date in cell I33, and the report is generated based on those values. The other reports cover data from the last 31 days.

I was considering copying my code four times and tweaking each one, but I’m thinking there might be a more efficient method using just one script and a single loop through the data. I also experimented with one script for the top half and another for the bottom half of the report.

Below is an example of my current code:

function generateHourlyReport() {
  const DATA_SHEET = 'Form Responses';
  const TARGET_SHEET = 'Hourly Break Down';
  const TEAM_CELL = 'A28';
  const DATE_CELL = 'I33';

  const ss = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet();
  const dataSheet = ss.getSheetByName(DATA_SHEET);
  const targetSheet = ss.getSheetByName(TARGET_SHEET);

  const reportDate = new Date(targetSheet.getRange(DATE_CELL).getValue());
  const teamName = targetSheet.getRange(TEAM_CELL).getValue();

  const data = dataSheet.getDataRange().getValues();
  const hourlyData = processData(data, reportDate, teamName);

  writeReport(targetSheet, hourlyData);
}

function processData(data, reportDate, teamName) {
  // Process data and return hourly breakdown
}

function writeReport(sheet, hourlyData) {
  // Write the processed data to the report sheet
}

I’m open to any suggestions on how to improve efficiency. Thanks!

2

Having tackled similar challenges, I can offer some insights. Instead of duplicating code, consider creating a master function that accepts report type, team, and date as parameters. This approach allows you to centralize your logic and reduce redundancy.

For efficiency, you might want to load all the data once at the beginning of your script run, then filter and process it as needed for each report. This can significantly cut down on time-consuming data fetching operations.

Also, look into using arrays and object manipulation instead of cell-by-cell operations. It’s often much faster to process data in memory and then write it to the sheet in one go.

Lastly, if these reports don’t need real-time updates, consider implementing a caching mechanism or scheduled runs to generate reports periodically. This can greatly improve the user experience by eliminating wait times when viewing reports.

3

hey tom, i’ve been there with the whole multiple reports thing. instead of copying code, try using functions with parameters for team and date. that way, you can reuse the same core logic for different reports. also, consider caching data to avoid repeated loops. good luck with your project!