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Andy Bek

Welcome to the best resource online for learning full-stack Python web development with Google Sheets.

This course offers a truly unique learning experience on Udemy. While there are hundreds of online Python courses to choose from, very few get you building real-world applications that have actual utility from the ground up.

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Welcome to the best resource online for learning full-stack Python web development with Google Sheets.

This course offers a truly unique learning experience on Udemy. While there are hundreds of online Python courses to choose from, very few get you building real-world applications that have actual utility from the ground up.

By the end of this course you will have deployed a universal Python web API that could connect to a virtually infinite number of workbooks. Functionally, this will be quite similar to several SaaS (software-as-a-service) businesses that you find on the web, services like SheetDB, SteinHQ, SheetBest, Sheety that offer JSON APIs on top of Google Sheets - obviously for $/month.

In this course, you will develop a Python application that does just that. Except we will write every line of code together and in the end deploy the application to the web for free.

We are going to do this step-by-step, starting with the very basics of setting up service accounts to enable the sheets and drive APIs, then moving on to the implementation of operations like creating and managing worksheets, reading, writing, and appending data, automating common tasks, managing updates, protecting our routes with authentication, and a lot more.

The course features four in-depth sections that guide you from the basics of python all the way to creating and deploying fully functional modern APIs and user interfaces.

In the first section you will:

  • Uncover the power of Google Sheets as a flexible, cloud-based database alternative

  • Understand the details of authentication using service accounts

  • Set up a professional development environment with virtual environments

  • Learn to programmatically create, read, update, and delete Google Sheets through Python

  • Explore the secret weapon of API developers: the Discovery Document

Then, we'll dive head-first into Python to:

  • Craft a robust API using FastAPI, the most modern and lightweight Python web framework

  • Design elegant object-oriented abstractions for Google Sheets interactions

  • Implement industry-standard authentication with JSON Web Tokens (JWT)

  • Master advanced data handling techniques for asymmetric and dynamic data

  • Build a full CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) API for Google Sheets

  • Dive deep into error handling and security best practices

  • Learn deployment strategies to take your API from local to global

Finally, we'll switch gears to user interface (UI) design and development. You will:

  • Jumpstart your journey into the world of React and Next.js

  • Design highly responsive, modern UIs with Tailwind CSS

  • Implement authentication flows

  • Design an e-commerce storefront from scratch

  • Master state management for complex user interactions

  • Deploy your user interface to the web

And if you're new to python, don't worry. There is a full-length python primer included in the course that will get you up to speed in no time. This is included as an appendix to the course and covers all the basics of Python programming. It is designed to be a quick reference for those who are new to Python or need a refresher on the basics.

By the end of this course, you will have:

  1. Built a production-ready universal API that interfaces with Google Sheets

  2. Mastered the full stack: from the backend to the middleware API to the user interface

  3. Gained real-world experience in Python, FastAPI, React, and Next.js

  4. Developed and deployed a portfolio-worthy project to showcase your new skills

I'm excited to have you on board. Let's get started.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Build a universal python json api that connects to a virtually infinite number of google sheets
  • Gain terrific, hands-on practice building and deploying full stack python applications
  • Enable authentication with json web tokens (jwt) and protect routes and operations
  • Build and deploy a modern user interface with react, next js, and tailwind css
  • Practice using google sheets as application databases for python apis
  • Explore the google sheets and drive apis from the ground up in python

Syllabus

Python vs Worksheets
Welcome!
My Other Work
Introduction To The Google Sheets API
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers FastAPI, a modern Python web framework, which is useful for building robust and scalable APIs, and is often favored for its speed and ease of use
Includes a full-length Python primer, which is helpful for those new to Python or needing a refresher, ensuring a wider audience can benefit from the course
Teaches React and Next.js for UI development, along with Tailwind CSS for styling, which are all highly sought-after skills in modern web development
Emphasizes authentication using JSON Web Tokens (JWT), which is an industry-standard method for securing web applications and APIs
Requires learners to set up service accounts to enable the Sheets and Drive APIs, which may require some initial configuration and understanding of Google Cloud services
Focuses on using Google Sheets as a database, which may not be suitable for all applications, especially those requiring high performance or complex data relationships

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Reviews summary

Full stack python with google sheets

According to learners, this course offers a unique and practical approach to building full-stack web applications. Students particularly praise the instructor's clear explanations and the hands-on experience gained through the real-world project of using Google Sheets as a backend. The course covers a modern tech stack including Python, FastAPI, React, Next.js, and Tailwind CSS. While many find it well-paced and comprehensive, a few reviews note that some sections could benefit from updates to keep pace with rapidly evolving libraries, and that initial setup can be challenging for absolute beginners despite the included Python primer. Overall, it's considered a highly valuable resource for building portfolio projects and understanding practical web development workflows.
Unique but has limitations as a database.
"Using Google Sheets is a novel idea for certain applications, but its limitations as a true database become apparent on larger scales."
"Interesting choice for a backend, good for simple projects, but not for everything."
"It highlights both the pros and cons of using Sheets in this way."
Covers a modern and relevant tech stack.
"Loved learning FastAPI, React, and Next.js together in a single project."
"This stack is highly relevant for current web development jobs."
"Incorporating Tailwind CSS was a nice bonus for styling."
Instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively.
"The instructor is excellent at explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner."
"Lectures are concise and well-structured, making it easy to follow along."
"He does a great job breaking down the full-stack process step-by-step."
Builds practical app using Google Sheets.
"The approach using Google Sheets as a database is quite clever and useful for rapid prototyping or smaller projects."
"I really appreciated building a full project from start to finish; it makes the learning tangible."
"Focuses on real-world application building rather than just theory, which is great."
Some parts may need updates due to library changes.
"A few minor changes were needed in the code examples because some library versions had updated since the course was released."
"Keeping up with React/Next.js updates can be tricky, and some sections might reflect older practices."
"While the core concepts are sound, minor syntax or dependency issues popped up."
Environment and API setup can be tricky.
"Getting the Google Sheets API credentials and environment set up correctly was a bit frustrating."
"Encountered some issues during the initial setup phase that required extra troubleshooting."
"The setup instructions could be a little more detailed for newcomers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Full Stack Python Web Apps Backed By Google Sheets with these activities:
Review Python Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of Python fundamentals to ensure a smooth learning experience in the course.
Browse courses on Python Basics
Show steps
  • Review data types, variables, and operators.
  • Practice writing simple Python scripts.
  • Complete online Python tutorials or exercises.
Brush Up on REST API Concepts
Familiarize yourself with REST API principles to better understand the API development section of the course.
Browse courses on REST API
Show steps
  • Study the principles of RESTful API design.
  • Explore common HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
  • Examine API documentation for popular web services.
Read 'Automate the Boring Stuff with Python'
Reinforce Python skills with practical automation examples.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to web scraping and data manipulation.
  • Complete the practice projects in the book.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Build a Simple Google Sheets Data Viewer
Apply the course concepts by building a basic application that reads and displays data from a Google Sheet.
Show steps
  • Set up a Google Cloud project and enable the Sheets API.
  • Write Python code to authenticate and read data from a sheet.
  • Display the data in a simple web interface using Flask or a similar framework.
Document Your API Development Process
Improve understanding and retention by documenting the steps involved in building the API.
Show steps
  • Create a blog post or tutorial explaining the API architecture.
  • Describe the authentication process and security measures.
  • Share code snippets and examples.
Read 'FastAPI Documentation'
Deepen your understanding of FastAPI by studying the official documentation.
Show steps
  • Explore the sections on routing, data validation, and security.
  • Experiment with the code examples provided in the documentation.
Contribute to a FastAPI Open Source Project
Enhance your skills and contribute to the community by participating in an open-source FastAPI project.
Show steps
  • Find a FastAPI project on GitHub that interests you.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
Deploy a Full-Stack Application to Production
Solidify your knowledge by deploying the full-stack application you built during the course to a production environment.
Show steps
  • Choose a cloud platform for deployment (e.g., Heroku, AWS, Google Cloud).
  • Configure the backend API and frontend UI for production.
  • Set up continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
  • Monitor the application for performance and errors.

Career center

Learners who complete Building Full Stack Python Web Apps Backed By Google Sheets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end technologies, allowing them to build complete web applications. This comprehensive course directly prepares individuals for this role by guiding them through building a full-stack Python web application, connecting it to Google Sheets, and deploying it. The course covers back-end development with Python/FastAPI, API creation, and front-end development with React and Next.js. The course is particularly well-suited for those who wish to become Full Stack Developers as it builds a real application and teaches skills to secure their routes with authentication.
API Developer
An API Developer designs, implements, and maintains application programming interfaces that enable different software systems to communicate. This course offers practical experience in API development by guiding students in building a universal Python web API backed by Google Sheets. The course teaches how to set up service accounts, implement operations for data management, and secure routes with authentication. Aspiring API Developers should take this specific course as it offers hands-on experience that many courses only provide in theory. They should also find the section on exception handling to be especially useful.
Web Application Developer
Web Application Developers create and maintain interactive websites and applications. This course helps learners become Web Application Developers by providing a complete journey through the development lifecycle, from back-end API creation with Python to front-end user interface design with React and Next.js. The course's focus on deploying applications to the web is key to Web Application Developer's work. The skills learned in the course, such as building robust APIs and designing modern UIs, are directly applicable to this role. The discussion on authentication with JSON Web Tokens will especially serve Web Application Developers well.
Backend Developer
A Backend Developer constructs and maintains the server-side logic that powers web applications. This course helps aspiring Backend Developers get hands-on experience by developing a Python web API from the ground up using FastAPI and deploying it to the web. The course's focus on creating, reading, updating, and deleting data in Google Sheets via an API is directly relevant to common backend tasks. Understanding authentication with JSON Web Tokens, as covered in the course, helps Backend Developers secure their applications. The course may be particularly helpful as it uses Google Sheets as a database alternative.
Python Developer
Python Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications using Python. This course builds a strong foundation for aspiring Python Developers by providing hands-on experience in building a full-stack Python web application backed by Google Sheets. The course covers essential Python concepts, web framework usage (FastAPI), and API development skills. This course may be particularly helpful to those who want to become Python Developers, since it includes an entire section dedicated to a Python language primer.
Front-End Developer
Front End Developers specialize in building the user interface of websites and web applications. While this course covers full-stack development, the section on creating user interfaces with React and Next.js helps those who wish to become Front End Developers build skills in modern front-end technologies. The course's emphasis on responsive design with Tailwind CSS is valuable for creating user-friendly interfaces. The course may be useful to those who wish to become Front End Developers as the labs deploy a user interface to the web.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and evaluate software systems and applications. This course can help aspiring Software Engineers gain practical experience by guiding them through the end-to-end process of building and deploying a web application. The course covers fundamental software engineering concepts, including API design, data handling, authentication, and deployment strategies. The course is especially valuable to Software Engineers as it covers the complete scope of building a web application.
Startup Founder
Startup Founders need a broad understanding of technology to build and launch their products. This course is a great way for startup founders to explore the entire process of developing and deploying a web application, from backend API creation to frontend user interface design. The course's focus on using Google Sheets as a database may be particularly appealing for early-stage startups looking for cost-effective solutions. Aspiring Startup Founders should also consider this course, since it is a portfolio worthy project to showcase the skills learned.
Cloud Application Developer
Cloud Application Developers build and deploy applications in cloud environments. This course provides practical experience in deploying a Python web application to the web, which is a key skill for Cloud Application Developers. The course leverages Google Sheets as a cloud-based database alternative, offering insights into building cloud-native applications. The course should be particularly appealing to Cloud Application Developers because it gets your application into the cloud. They may find the section on setting up service accounts particularly useful.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers focus on automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle. This course provides hands-on experience in deploying a web application, a critical aspect of DevOps. The course covers topics such as setting up virtual environments, managing dependencies, and using Git for version control. This course may be particularly helpful for those who want to start out as DevOps Engineers, since it offers hands-on experience deploying applications to the web.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that allows data to be accessed and used. This course provides insights into using Google Sheets as a data storage solution and building APIs to interact with it. The course's focus on data handling techniques, such as reading, writing, and appending data to Google Sheets, is relevant to a Data Engineer's work. Data Engineers may find this course useful in cases where small-scale or rapid data solutions are needed. Specifically, the course may be helpful in understanding how to create lightweight data solutions.
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architects design and oversee the implementation of technology solutions to address business problems. This course may help aspiring Solutions Architects understand how to leverage Google Sheets as a flexible database alternative and how to build APIs to interact with it. The course offers insights into designing and deploying full-stack applications, which is beneficial for architects who need to understand the end-to-end development process. Solutions Architects looking to broaden their understanding of full-stack application development may find this course useful.
Technical Lead
A Technical Lead guides a team of developers and makes key technical decisions. This course provides a broad overview of full-stack development, from backend API creation to frontend UI design, enabling Technical Leads to make informed decisions about technology choices. Understanding authentication methods, data handling techniques, and deployment strategies, as covered in the course, is beneficial for guiding development teams. Technical Leads may find this course useful to understand all aspects of the development stack.
Technical Consultant
Technical Consultants advise clients on technology solutions to meet their business needs. This course provides a practical understanding of building full-stack web applications using Python and Google Sheets, which can be valuable knowledge for consultants recommending such solutions. The course covers API development, UI design, and deployment strategies, offering a comprehensive view of the development process. Technical Consultants should also take this course as it focuses on a real application.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts examine data to draw conclusions and make recommendations. While this course is primarily focused on web application development, it explores the use of Google Sheets as a data storage solution. This can provide Data Analysts with a unique perspective on using cloud-based spreadsheets for data analysis. The course also covers how to programmatically read data from and write data to Google Sheets, potentially useful for automating data tasks. It is also possible that Data Analysts may find this course of use.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building Full Stack Python Web Apps Backed By Google Sheets.
The official FastAPI documentation is an invaluable resource for this course. It provides comprehensive explanations of all the framework's features, including routing, data validation, dependency injection, and security. The documentation is well-organized and includes numerous examples, making it easy to learn and apply the concepts. It is particularly useful for understanding advanced topics like authentication with JWT and handling complex data structures. This must-read for anyone building APIs with FastAPI.
Provides a practical introduction to Python programming, focusing on automating everyday tasks. It's a great resource for beginners to solidify their Python skills before diving into web development. The book covers topics like web scraping, working with Excel spreadsheets, and sending email, which can be helpful for understanding how Python can interact with external services and data sources. While not directly focused on web development, it builds a strong foundation in Python programming.

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