Converting Spreadsheets into Compact No-Code Web Applications: An Unexpectedly Rewarding Pastime
# How I Addressed Takeout, Seasonings, and Meal Ideas with Spreadsheets and Glide
The pandemic ushered in a series of home improvement projects, many stemming from necessity. For me, it represented an ideal chance to address a lingering issue: handling takeout selections, categorizing spices, and planning meals in a more efficient manner. Equipped with spreadsheets and Glide, a no-code app development tool, I set out to devise tailored solutions that were both practical and enjoyable.
## The Dilemma: Takeout Madness and Monotony
Throughout the pandemic, my wife and I found ourselves frequently opting for takeout. While it was a wonderful way to support local eateries and lessen the dishwashing burden, we soon came across several recurring challenges:
1. **Promoting Local Businesses**: Delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats often take a hefty percentage from restaurants. We aimed to use restaurants’ direct ordering systems or preferred platforms whenever feasible.
2. **Monotonous Selections**: We kept revisiting the same eateries, despite our desire to explore new venues or rediscover old favorites.
3. **Choice Overload**: On certain days, we simply wanted a random recommendation or a curated list based on specific criteria, such as avoiding carbs or trying something different.
At its heart, this was a matter of organization and accessibility—a collaborative list of restaurants could be the solution. However, spreadsheets on their own weren’t sufficient. Editing a Google Sheet on a mobile device proved awkward, and my enthusiasm for maintaining spreadsheets wasn’t mirrored by my partner. That’s where Glide came into play.
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## Why Glide?
Glide is a no-code platform that transforms spreadsheets into functional web applications. It’s intuitive, visually appealing, and ideal for small-scale, individual projects. Though primarily designed for businesses, Glide provides a free tier that enables you to create one published app for personal use. Each app can accommodate up to 10 users and manage up to 25,000 rows of data—ample for most household requirements.
### Key Features That Enticed Me About Glide:
– **User-Friendly**: Glide connects seamlessly with Google Sheets, facilitating the conversion of a spreadsheet into an app.
– **Tailorable Interface**: You can customize the app to fit your requirements, from search and filtering options to interactive maps.
– **Availability**: The apps can be shared and accessed on mobile phones, tablets, or desktops, ensuring ease of use for everyone in the household.
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## Creating a Takeout App
The initial app I developed was a takeout tracker for restaurants in our vicinity. Here’s how I went about it:
### 1. **Initiate with a Spreadsheet**
I set up a Google Sheet featuring columns for:
– Restaurant Name
– Cuisine Type
– Address
– Quadrant (e.g., NW, NE for Washington, D.C.)
– Notes (e.g., “Excellent for takeout,” “Closed on Mondays”)
– Date Added
### 2. **Upload to Glide**
I imported the spreadsheet into Glide, and the app automatically created a basic interface. The default search bar was already operational, enabling me to look up all fields.
### 3. **Personalize the App**
– **Navigation**: I renamed the home screen to “DC Takeout” and concealed unnecessary sections like “Public” and “Users.”
– **Filters**: I incorporated in-app filters for cuisine type and location, making it convenient to browse by category or quadrant.
– **Map Feature**: For every restaurant, I included a map component that illustrated the address. Tapping on the map launched the default mapping app for directions.
### 4. **Incorporate Features**
– **Random Recommendations**: I added a button to generate three random restaurant suggestions, ideal for indecisive weekend nights.
– **Add New Restaurants**: A “+” button allowed us to effortlessly add new entries, featuring a date picker for when the restaurant was included.
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## Broadening the Project: Meal Planning and Seasonings
After recognizing how effective Glide was for managing takeout, I chose to address other aspects of our culinary experiences.
### 1. **DIYRoot: A Meal Planning Application**
Following my exploration of meal delivery services, I observed that they often followed straightforward recipe frameworks. I developed an app that:
– Compiled recipes, broken down into ingredients.
– Allowed me to incorporate recipes into a weekly menu plan.
– Created a shopping list based on the selected recipes.
While the app wasn’t flawless (the shopping list occasionally generated empty items), it proved to be an engaging and practical way to enhance meal planning.
### 2. **Pantry Items: A Spice and Sauce Inventory**
Keeping an inventory of pantry essentials such as spices and sauces can be tricky. My “Pantry Items” app addressed this by:
– Establishing a searchable list of all pantry items.
– Providing notes on the remaining quantity of each item.
– Linking with the shopping
