Get Data from PostgreSQL into Google Sheets Automatically with Superjoin

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 Superjoin 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. By setting up the necessary connections, configurations, and credentials, Superjoin allows you to fetch and manipulate data from the specified data source within spreadsheets. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of connecting PostgreSQL to Google Sheets using Superjoin.

Best Ways to Connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets

1. Using Superjoin - 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 Superjoin

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, Superjoin provides the fastest and easiest way to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets without any help, allowing you to seamlessly manage and refresh data from multiple data sources.

Why Export Data from PostgreSQL to Google Sheets Using Superjoin?

Superjoin 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 Superjoin, 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

• Pull data from PostgreSQL into Google Sheets for effective analysis of large datasets.

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

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to connect Superjoin to Google Sheets using Superjoin'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 Superjoin 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 Superjoin from there. You should see Superjoin running as a Google Sheets side panel on the right side of your screen.

Step 4: From Sources 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: Superjoin 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 PostgreSQL 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.

Import data from 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 Superjoin.

Why Choose Superjoin for PostgreSQL to Google Sheets Connection?

In light of the limitations of Google Apps Script, Superjoin 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, Superjoin is designed for no-code users, making it accessible for teams like sales, marketing, revenue ops, and finance.

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

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

4. Rich Functionality: Superjoin 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 Superjoin, 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.

  
  

Zapier can facilitate real-time data updates and synchronisation and help you connect PostgreSQL to a Google Spreadsheet. This integration allows you to import data, set up connections, and automate data refresh processes within the spreadsheet.

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, Superjoin allows users to stay within Google Sheets, resulting in a more efficient workflow.

Key Takeaway to import data from PostgreSQL database to Google Sheet

When looking to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets, there are several methods to consider, each with its own strengths.

For technical users, using Google Apps Script can be a powerful approach. This method allows you to pull data from your PostgreSQL database directly into Google Sheets by writing custom SQL queries. However, it requires a firm coding background, as you need to configure the connection details, such as database username, IP addresses, and the JDBC service to connect to your Postgres instance. While this approach is flexible, even technical users might find the setup process time-consuming and complex.

Additionally, if you’re dealing with different data sources, Zapier can be another valuable tool for integrating PostgreSQL with Google Sheets. Zapier automates the data import process by creating Zaps, which are customizable workflows that connect the two platforms. However, it requires some initial setup and maintenance, and the cost can quickly escalate if you’re working with large datasets or need frequent updates.

For those looking for a more user-friendly solution without the need for coding, Superjoin offers a seamless way to connect PostgreSQL to Google Sheets. This Google Sheets add-on allows users to import data from their PostgreSQL database with just a few clicks. You can set up a connection by entering the required permissions and connection details directly within the Google Sheets interface. Superjoin also supports live data updates, enabling you to refresh your PostgreSQL data on a schedule or with a simple click, ensuring your Google Sheets data is always up-to-date.

Overall, whether you choose Google Apps Script for a more technical setup or opt for Superjoin for its ease of use and powerful features, connecting PostgreSQL to Google Sheets can greatly enhance your data management and analysis capabilities.