Pick the right automation layer for the job. Rules, scripts, and the Ads API each trade off speed, control, and complexity.
Which option requires OAuth and a developer token?
Ads API
Scripts
Editor only
Automated rules
Which option lets you write JavaScript and call UrlFetchApp or Sheets?
Recommendations
Scripts
Ads API
Automated rules
Where do you configure automated rules in the UI? Under Tools & Settings → ______.
Billing › Settings
Audience manager
Bulk actions › Rules
Insights › Assets
Which option supports GAQL queries directly for custom reporting?
Recommendations
Drafts & experiments
Automated rules
Scripts
If you need near real‑time, event‑driven changes from your CRM, you should use ______.
Ads API
Experiments
Automated rules
Ad variations
Which option has an execution cap of about 30 minutes per run?
Ads API
Scripts
Editor
Rules
Which option is best for no‑code scheduled actions like pausing items at a threshold?
Labeling only
Scripts
Automated rules
Ads API
Which option is subject to QPS and operation quotas by token and CID?
Automated rules
Recommendations
Scripts
Ads API
In 2025, creating new campaigns via automation may require setting EU political‑ads fields when using ______.
Scripts and Ads API
Automated rules only
UI only
Editor only
Which option can write directly to Google Sheets without external servers?
Automated rules
Scripts
Ads API
Recommendations
Starter
Basics are there—practice mapping tasks to the simplest automation that can handle them.
Solid
Nice—you know when to use scripts vs. rules; push API usage where integration matters.
Expert!
Elite—your automation design shows strong engineering judgment and policy awareness.
If you’re getting ready for Automated Rules vs. Scripts vs. Ads API interview questions, you’ll want to clearly understand how each automation method works in Google Ads. Automated Rules are ideal for quick, rule-based changes without coding, while Scripts allow more customization and logic through JavaScript. The Ads API offers the highest level of control, enabling large-scale, programmatic campaign management directly integrated into your systems. For deeper preparation, explore these Google Ads interview questions and hands-on exercises. You can also sharpen your knowledge by reviewing FLEDGE audience targeting MCQs, comparing six-second ad edit techniques, and exploring event optimization for app campaigns.