Modifying Google Apps Script to update existing Airtable records

Other Questions Airtable
1

I’m trying to tweak a script that pulls data from Google Photos and puts it in Airtable. Right now, it makes new records each time. What I want is for it to fill in empty cells in existing records instead.

The current script skips blank cells and adds new rows. I’d like it to write to the empty spots in batches of 10. I’m not a coder, so I’m not sure how to change it.

Here’s a simplified version of what I’m working with:

function updateAirtableFromPhotos() {
  const photoData = fetchPhotoAlbumInfo();
  const emptyRecords = getEmptyAirtableRecords();
  
  for (let i = 0; i < emptyRecords.length; i += 10) {
    const batch = emptyRecords.slice(i, i + 10);
    updateBatchWithPhotoData(batch, photoData.slice(i, i + 10));
  }
}

function fetchPhotoAlbumInfo() {
  // Code to get album data from Google Photos
}

function getEmptyAirtableRecords() {
  // Code to find empty records in Airtable
}

function updateBatchWithPhotoData(records, data) {
  // Code to update Airtable records with photo data
}

Can someone help me adjust this to work the way I need? Thanks!

2

As someone who’s worked extensively with Google Apps Script and Airtable, I can offer some practical advice. The key is modifying your updateBatchWithPhotoData function to update existing records rather than creating new ones.

First, ensure your getEmptyAirtableRecords function retrieves records with empty fields you want to populate. Then, in updateBatchWithPhotoData, use Airtable’s update method instead of create.

A crucial step is matching photo data to records using a unique identifier. This could be a photo ID or filename. You’ll need to adjust your Airtable API calls accordingly.

One potential pitfall to watch out for is rate limiting. Airtable has API request limits, so you might need to implement some delay between batches to avoid hitting these limits.

Lastly, consider error handling. What happens if there’s no matching photo for an empty record? You’ll want to account for these scenarios in your script.

With these modifications, your script should update existing records as intended. Good luck with your project!

3

hey luke, i’ve dealt with similar stuff before. the trick is to change your updateBatchWithPhotoData function. instead of making new records, update the existing ones.

you’ll need to tweek your airtable API calls. also, make sure you match photo data to records using something unique like photo ID.

hope this helps! lemme know if you need more details

4

I’ve worked on a similar project before, and I can offer some insights. The key is to modify your updateBatchWithPhotoData function. Instead of creating new records, you’ll want to update existing ones.

Here’s a rough idea of how you could approach this:

  1. In getEmptyAirtableRecords, fetch records with empty fields you want to fill.
  2. In updateBatchWithPhotoData, use Airtable’s update method instead of create.
  3. Match photo data to records based on a unique identifier (like photo ID or filename).

You’ll need to adjust the Airtable API calls accordingly. Remember to handle cases where there might not be a matching photo for every empty record.

This should get you started in the right direction. If you need more specific help, you might want to share more details about your Airtable structure and the exact fields you’re updating.