Get Data from PostgreSQL into Google Sheets Automatically with StackIt

Getting data from your internal PostgreSQL database used to be a challenge for non-technical teams like sales, marketing, revenue ops, and finance. These teams often had to rely on analysts or developers to provide the data, which could take multiple reminders, and emails, and be last in the pecking order. Even when they did get the data on time, these teams would have to spend hours cleaning it.

That's where StackIt comes in. This plugin, available on the Google Workspace Marketplace, makes it easy to export data from PostgreSQL to Google Sheets, saving you time and hassle. In this blog post, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of connecting PostgreSQL to Google Sheets using StackIt.

Best Ways to Connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets

1. Using StackIt - One-click solution to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets 

2. Using Google Apps Script – Complex setup and requires coding knowledge

3. Using Zapier - High setup effort, cost, and maintenance

   
   

1. Using StackIt

While you can use the likes of Zapier and Google Apps script which requires some technical know-how, high setup cost, or even developer/data team’s assistance, StackIt provides the fastest and easiest way to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets without any help.

Why Export Data from PostgreSQL to Google Sheets Using StackIt?

StackIt lets you connect directly to your PostgreSQL database from Google Sheets. This means you can easily import data into Google Sheets without having to manually export and import CSV files. With StackIt, you can:

• Easily import data from PostgreSQL to Google Sheets

• Refresh data regularly to keep your Google Sheets up to date

• Write SQL queries to get the exact data you need

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: How to Connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to connect StackIt to Google Sheets using StackIt’s new connector.

Step 1: Click Extensions from the Google Sheets menu. Select Add-ons and choose to Get Add-ons. This will bring you to the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Step 2: Look for StackIt in the Google Marketplace pop-up window and install the app by following the prompts.

Step 3: Navigate back to the Extensions menu tab and launch StackIt from there. You should see StackIt running as a Google Sheets side panel on the right side of your screen.

Step 4: Select PostgreSQL from the list.

Step 5: Once you have selected PostgreSQL, enter your host, database username, password, port, and IP address.
In some cases, you might have to whitelist our IP address. Talk to your system admin, DevOps, or engineering head to whitelist the IP and click on connect.

Step 6: After clicking on “Authorize”, a data preview window will open. You can choose Query builder and select relevant fields or click on 'Write SQL Query' as shown below.

Step 7: After writing desired SQL Query, hit on Run Query.

Step 8: And that's it! You now have your PostgreSQL data in Google Sheets. Without even writing a single line of code. Now let's set up refresh schedules.

Step 9: StackIt lets you refresh your imported data instantly with one click or set it to auto-refresh on a pre-set schedule.

This way, you won’t need to manually update your PostgreSQL data in Google Sheets to reflect changes from the source.

Voila, you've successfully imported your Chargebee data to Google Sheets!

2. Using App Script

Google Apps Script, a cloud-based scripting language for lightweight application development in the G-Suite platform, can be a useful tool to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets.

Before we begin, please make sure that your PostgreSQL server is set to accept connections from your script's IP address. For Google Apps Script, Google does not provide specific IP addresses that you can whitelist, as they use a wide, dynamic range of IPs. You can adjust your database settings to allow all IP addresses, but this could make your database vulnerable.

Connecting PostgreSQL to Google Sheets Using Apps Script

Google Apps Script is a JavaScript cloud scripting language that lets you automate tasks across Google products. Here's how you can use it to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets:

1. Access Apps Script: Open your Google Sheets document and click on "Extensions" in the menu. Select "Apps Script".

2. Create a New Project: Once you're in the Apps Script dashboard, create a new project.

3. Write the Script: In your new project, you'll need to write a script that establishes a connection with your PostgreSQL database. You will use the Jdbc.getConnection() method with your database URL and login credentials. You can then write SQL queries to fetch data and use SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet().getRange().setValues() it to populate your sheet.

4. Run the Script: After you've written and reviewed your script, you can run it to populate your Google Sheet with data from your PostgreSQL database.

While this method does provide a way to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets, it has significant limitations, especially when compared to no-code solutions like StackIt.

Why Choose StackIt for PostgreSQL to Google Sheets Connection?

In light of the limitations of Google Apps Script, StackIt emerges as a formidable alternative that overcomes many of these restrictions:

1. User-Friendly for Non-Technical Teams: While Google Apps Script requires a certain level of coding knowledge, StackIt is designed for no-code users, making it accessible for teams like sales, marketing, revenue ops, and finance.

2. Time Efficiency: StackIt allows for quick data import without a maximum execution time, making it perfect for handling large data sets.

3. Secure Connection: StackIt provides a secure connection to your PostgreSQL database, eliminating potential security risks.

4. Rich Functionality: StackIt enables you to perform complex operations like writing SQL queries directly from Google Sheets, without needing to know how to code.

5. Automatic Updates: With StackIt, your data will automatically refresh, keeping your sheets always up-to-date.

3. Using Zapier

   
   

Zapier establishes connections between PostgreSQL and Google Sheets through automated, no-code workflows, known as Zaps.

For instance, a Zap can

• Reflect changes in your database when alterations are made to Google Sheets cells

• Introduce a new row in Google Sheets from PostgreSQL

• Update Google Sheets information based on changes in PostgreSQL

  
  

Creating a Zap involves determining triggers and actions that automate repetitive tasks. Triggers initiate your Zaps, and actions are the tasks undertaken by the Zaps. Here are the fundamental steps to set up a Zap:

• Authenticate your PostgreSQL and Google Sheets accounts

• Choose either Google Sheets or PostgreSQL as your trigger to start the automation

• Decide the corresponding event (action) in the other platform

• Select the PostgreSQL or Google Sheets data you wish to transmit to the other platform

• Test your Zaps by running them to identify potential errors or issues in your configuration

Drawbacks of Zapier

• Complex setup and maintenance: Zapier requires users to build personalized workflows, known as “Zaps”. Users are responsible for creating and adjusting these Zaps independently, often needing a bit of SQL or API knowledge to create and configure specific automated workflows. As a result, none of Zapier’s integrations come pre-built.

• Cost implications: The creation and management of Zap workflows can quickly escalate in costs. Having multiple integrations can result in a compounding of expenses. The more data involved, the more Zapier tends to cost.

• User experience: Zapier operates outside of Google Sheets, causing a more fragmented user experience. On the other hand, StackIt allows users to stay within Google Sheets, resulting in a more efficient workflow.

In conclusion, while Google Apps Script might work for those comfortable with scripting, StackIt offers a more accessible, secure, and efficient solution for those looking to integrate PostgreSQL with Google Sheets without having to delve into code. The creation and management of Zap workflows can quickly escalate costs. With StackIt, you can ensure that your data handling capabilities are both robust and user-friendly.