getRange

GetRange is a common method name used in spreadsheet scripting and data-processing APIs to retrieve a contiguous subset of elements from a larger collection, such as a worksheet, an array, or a dataset. The exact behavior varies by API, but the core idea is to specify a starting point and a size to operate on a limited region.

In Google Apps Script, a widely used implementation is in the Spreadsheet service. Sheet.getRange can accept either an A1 notation string (for example, 'A1:B2') or four integers (row, column, numRows, numColumns). The method returns a Range object, which can be queried or modified with methods like getValues, setValues, getDisplayValues, and more. This enables bulk data access or updates in a single operation.

Beyond Apps Script, getRange or similarly named functions appear in other libraries where a subset of data is needed. The concept applies to various data structures: a range of cells in a spreadsheet, a slice of an array, or a sub-collection defined by indices. Indexing may be one-based or zero-based depending on the API, which can lead to off-by-one errors when switching contexts.

Common usage patterns include retrieving large blocks of data in one call for efficiency, then processing locally, and using specific overloads to target a single cell or a compact rectangle. Developers should validate bounds, understand whether the API uses A1 notation or numerical indices, and choose the most appropriate method to minimize repeated calls.

See also: Range, A1 notation, getValues, setValues, RangeList.