Mastering Google Apps Script: UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() vs Async/Await for Multiple HTTP Requests

Описание: Discover whether you can use `async/await` with Google Apps Script's `UrlfetchApp` for multiple HTTP requests or if you should rely on `UrlfetchApp.fetchAll()`.
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Mastering Google Apps Script: UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() vs Async/Await for Multiple HTTP Requests

In the realm of Google Apps Script, handling multiple HTTP requests can present challenges, particularly for developers who are just beginning to explore the powerful capabilities of automation scripts. You might be wondering if you can leverage the new async/await syntax to improve the efficiency of your scripts, especially when dealing with multiple URLs. This guide aims to clarify this common query regarding Google Apps Script's UrlfetchApp and the effectiveness of async/await in handling HTTP requests.

Understanding the Problem

Recently, a developer posed a vital question while working on Google Apps Script (GAS). Having previously used the .fetch() method effectively for single HTTP requests, they now faced the need to fetch multiple URLs simultaneously. With the introduction of the V8 runtime for Google Apps Script, they speculated whether incorporating async/await or promises would lead to improved performance.

Breaking Down the Question

Can I use async/await with UrlfetchApp.fetch()?: The developer questioned whether declaring their function as async would allow for asynchronous HTTP requests via .fetch().

Is UrlfetchApp.fetch() truly synchronous?: They anticipated that the design of the GAS API may limit the performance benefits from employing promises.

Is UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() the better option?: If async/await is not beneficial, what are the alternatives for fetching multiple URLs effectively?

The Solution: A Deep Dive into the Answer

Synchronous Nature of UrlfetchApp

To address the primary concern and clarify the hypothesis, it's essential to confirm that currently, the UrlfetchApp does execute synchronously. Even when you use the new syntax of promises within your function, the HTTP fetches remain synchronous. This means that:

The .fetch() method will not perform asynchronously, regardless of your use of async/await.

The execution of subsequent lines of code will wait for the HTTP response before proceeding.

UrlfetchApp.fetchAll(): The Preferred Method

Given this limitation, the best approach when you need to fetch multiple URLs in Google Apps Script is to utilize the UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() method. This method is specifically designed for sending multiple HTTP requests simultaneously, making it a more efficient choice compared to having multiple synchronous .fetch() calls in an async function.

Benefits of using UrlfetchApp.fetchAll():

Performance: Unlike individual fetch calls, fetchAll() can handle multiple requests at once, reducing the total execution time when fetching data from various endpoints.

Simplicity: It simplifies your code by allowing you to define all your URL fetch requests in a single line of code.

Error Handling: The method provides a more streamlined approach to manage errors that may arise from one or more HTTP requests.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, if you're working with Google Apps Script and need to fetch multiple URLs, the evidence clearly indicates that relying on UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() is your best bet. While async/await brings benefits in many programming contexts, it doesn't enhance performance within the constraints of the GAS API for HTTP requests.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the limitations of the current Google Apps Script environment and adapt your code accordingly. Always opt for UrlfetchApp.fetchAll() for efficiency when dealing with multiple HTTP requests, and save your newfound knowledge of async/await for contexts where they can shine outside of GAS.

By focusing on strategic choices like these, you can improve the performance of your automation scripts and strea