Modifying Google Apps Script to update existing Airtable records

Other Questions Airtable
1

I’m trying to improve a script that transfers data from Google Photos albums to Airtable. Right now it makes new records but I want it to update existing ones instead.

Here’s what I need:

  • Update empty cells in batches of 10
  • Fill in blank records I’ve already added to the table
  • Stop the script from skipping empty cells and creating new records

I’m new to coding and got this script from ChatGPT. Can someone help me change it? Here’s a simplified version of what I’m working with:

function updateAirtableFromPhotos() {
  const API_KEY = 'your_key_here';
  const BASE_ID = 'your_base_id';
  const TABLE_NAME = 'your_table';

  let photoAlbums = fetchGooglePhotoAlbums();
  let recordsToUpdate = photoAlbums.map(album => ({
    fields: {
      'Album Title': album.name,
      'Photo Count': album.itemCount
    }
  }));

  sendToAirtable(recordsToUpdate, API_KEY, BASE_ID, TABLE_NAME);
}

// Other functions like fetchGooglePhotoAlbums and sendToAirtable would be defined here

How can I modify this to update existing records instead of creating new ones? Thanks!

2

I’ve been in a similar situation with Airtable integration, and I can share some insights that might help.

To update existing records instead of creating new ones, you’ll need to implement a matching mechanism. Here’s a general approach:

  1. First, fetch existing records from Airtable.
  2. For each Google Photos album, check if a matching record exists in Airtable (e.g., by album title).
  3. If a match is found, update that record. If not, create a new one.

You’ll need to modify your sendToAirtable function to handle both updates and creations. Airtable’s API allows for this with the right endpoint and method.

For batching, you can process records in groups of 10 using array methods like slice().

To prevent skipping empty cells, ensure your script checks for existence rather than truthy values when deciding whether to update.

This approach should solve your main issues. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on implementation!

3

hey alex, i’ve dealt with similar airtable stuff before. you’ll wanna fetch existing records first, then match em with your google photos data. use the PATCH method in airtable’s API to update records. for batching, slice your array into chunks of 10. make sure to check if fields exist rather than if they’re empty. let me kno if u need more help!

4

As someone who’s worked extensively with Airtable and Google Apps Script, I can offer some advice on your situation. The key is to implement a lookup mechanism before updating records. First, query Airtable for existing records, then compare your Google Photos data against this. Use the ‘Album Title’ as a unique identifier for matching.

For updating in batches, you’ll want to modify your sendToAirtable function to handle arrays of 10 records at a time. Utilize Airtable’s PATCH method for updates, and only create new records when no match is found.

To address empty cells, adjust your logic to check for the existence of fields rather than their content. This way, you’ll update all matching records regardless of whether cells are empty or not.

Remember to handle API rate limits and potential errors in your script. Let me know if you need more specific code examples.