Does the Google Ads API support everything Google Ads Scripts support?

[charlesb...@gmail.com]

Hi,

I work with the API a lot and use Google Ads Scripts to validate things are possible. I appreciate I can read the docs, but prefer to actually create, edit, remove & report to confirm it definitely works.

I'm concerned Scripts might support something the API doesn't.

My assumption has been Scripts use the API so of course the API supports it all but I wanted to confirm.

I can't find anything in the docs and it's a difficult thing to Google.

Thanks,

Charles

[Google Ads Scripts Forum Advisor]

Hi Charles,

 

Thank you for reaching out to the Google Ads Scripts Team.

 

I would agree that Google Ads Scripts (especially the new script experience), as stated in our documentation <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/scripts/docs/start>, has a completely rewritten backend to take advantage of new features in the Google Ads API <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/api/docs/start>. You may check this list <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/scripts/docs/features/entities> for the entities that Google Ads Scripts work with, and the list from the dropdown enumerates the features of Google Ads Scripts. Corresponding available methods for each stated entity can be seen in the Reference tab <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/scripts/docs/reference/adsapp/adsapp> of the documentation. There are also readily made scripts which you can use which you may check in the Solutions <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/scripts/docs/solutions/account-summary> tab to see if any fit a specific use-case you're looking for.

 

I would like to clarify, however, that you can use scripts to automate common procedures or interact with external data. If you're opting to have a more complex approach, you can try considering to make use of the Google Ads API instead. You may be able to use Google Ads Scripts if you only need a basic automation for a limited number of accounts. A script can already do a wide range of basic operations on your account, but it does have it's limitations. If you hit those limits you might need to turn to the Google Ads API.

 

With all of that being said, if you're looking for a specific feature in Google Ads Scripts, please do let us know so that we may be able to guide you accordingly. However, if you would need further assistance or have any concerns when using the Google Ads API, then I'm afraid our team would be unable to further comment and we would instead recommend you reach out to their dedicated API support team by posting on their public forum <https://groups.google.com/g/adwords-api>. Please do note that our team can only provide support to Google Ads Scripts related concerns.

 

Best regards,

 

Google Ads Scripts Team

ref:_00D1U1174p._5004Q2lGc5B:ref

[charlesb...@gmail.com]

Hi,

Thanks for the response.

I'm specifically thinking about using Scripts to verify Google Ads API functionality. The documentation helps, but you don't always know if it works for your specific use-case until you write the code.

It seems, in general, it's a viable option. I would add one major difference, unfortunately, is with Bulk Uploads - they're available in Scripts but not the Google Ads API.

Thanks

[Zweitze de Vries]

Long-time API + Scripts developer here...

Historically, API and Scripts offered pretty much the same functionality - well, Scripts offer a subset of the functionality of the API. But sometimes it was the other way. The most notorious example from the past (think 10, 15 years ago...) was AdParams - you could read and modify them in Scripts, but not in the API.

The same happened with labels, before they appeared in the API, they were available in scripts - for a few years if I remember correctly.

Right now, I am not aware of such differences. But realize that the functionality of both API and Script changes over time, and some features may be implemented earlier in Scripts...

You suspect Bulk Uploads are not available in Ads API. I am pretty sure you can implement the underlying functionality using Batch Processing of Google Ads API.

[charlesb...@gmail.com]

Thanks.

The issue with Batch Processing is whilst they an alternative in terms of speed, they aren't a mirror service.

For example, you can create video campaigns with Bulk Uploads but not with Batch Processing.

Generally, Bulk Uploads can be a great way of creating entities that aren't supported by the API or Script directly. Batch Processing is just the same API functionality but faster.

It definitely seems like the new version of scripts is much closer to the API otherwise.

[Zweitze de Vries]

Thanks for insights! Learnt something new today.

But getting back at your original question - as long as Google doesn't make a public commitment about the relationship, expect that any assumptions may prove wrong in the future. Both Scripts and the API will change in time, in ways you may not foresee.

[Google Ads Scripts Forum Advisor]

Hi All,

 

Please excuse us for only getting back now as your messages failed to be routed to our support queue.

 

You're welcome to make use of the respective tools in order to validate which features are available with them. For more information on Bulk uploads, you can check this link <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/scripts/docs/features/bulk-upload> from our documentation as well as this link <https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/10702525?hl=en&sjid=34488070726806587-AP> for the available features.

 

Again, if you'd have any specific concerns regarding the features Google Ads Scripts offers, just let us know, and if you'd have concerns related to the Google Ads API (such as Batch Processing) <https://developers.google.com/google-ads/api/docs/start>, then I would suggest reaching out to their API support team via their public forum as they are better equipped to provide insights regarding the said feature: https://groups.google.com/g/adwords-api. Kindly note that the Google Ads API is already outside our scope of support.

 

This message is in relation to case "ref:_00D1U1174p._5004Q2lGc5B:ref"

Thanks,

 

Google Ads Scripts Team

[Asavela Ludidi]

Hi Google, 

I am yet to get a response on my query. Is it possible to get help on my script? 

Regards?

Asa

Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Jun 2023, at 08:07, Google Ads Scripts Forum on behalf of adsscripts <adwords...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



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