ServiceNow is a powerful platform that offers a wide range of features and functionalities for IT service management, HR, and other business processes. As a ServiceNow developer, scripting plays a crucial role in customizing and extending the platform’s capabilities. However, scripting can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially for beginners. In this blog post, we will share seven ServiceNow scripting tips that can help you improve your developer experience and optimize your productivity.
Use Glide Record efficiently:
Glide Record is a powerful ServiceNow API that allows you to access and manipulate data in the platform’s tables. However, inefficient use of Glide Record can lead to performance issues and slow down your scripts. Use Glide Record sparingly and avoid using it in loops or queries with a large number of records. Instead, use Glide Aggregate or Glide System APIs for complex queries or data aggregations.
Leverage the ServiceNow Script Debugger:
The ServiceNow Script Debugger is a powerful tool that can help you debug and troubleshoot your scripts. It allows you to set breakpoints, step through code, and view variables and their values. Use the Script Debugger to identify and resolve issues quickly, saving you time and effort.
Optimize your server-side scripts:
Server-side scripts, such as business rules and scripts in Script Includes, can impact the platform’s performance. Optimize your server-side scripts by reducing unnecessary calculations, avoiding redundant queries, and caching data where possible. Use GlideRecord queries that retrieve only the required data and avoid using client-side APIs in server-side scripts.
Use client-side scripts judiciously:
Client-side scripts, such as UI policies and scripts in Client Scripts, can enhance the user experience but can also slow down page loading times. Use client-side scripts judiciously and only where necessary. Consider using server-side scripts for complex business logic and data manipulation.
Follow best practices for script development:
Follow ServiceNow’s best practices for script development, such as using meaningful variable and function names, commenting your code, and avoiding hardcoding values. Use the ServiceNow API documentation and community forums for guidance and support.
Use third-party libraries and APIs:
ServiceNow supports third-party libraries and APIs, such as jQuery and Google Maps API, that can enhance your scripts’ capabilities. Use these libraries and APIs where appropriate and ensure that they are properly licensed and secured.
Test your scripts thoroughly:
Test your scripts thoroughly before deploying them to production. Use ServiceNow’s automated testing framework, Automated Test Framework (ATF), to create and execute automated tests. Test your scripts across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and responsiveness.
Use Glide Record efficiently:
Glide Record is a powerful ServiceNow API that allows you to access and manipulate data in the platform’s tables. However, inefficient use of Glide Record can lead to performance issues and slow down your scripts. Use Glide Record sparingly and avoid using it in loops or queries with a large number of records. Instead, use Glide Aggregate or Glide System APIs for complex queries or data aggregations.
Leverage the ServiceNow Script Debugger:
The ServiceNow Script Debugger is a powerful tool that can help you debug and troubleshoot your scripts. It allows you to set breakpoints, step through code, and view variables and their values. Use the Script Debugger to identify and resolve issues quickly, saving you time and effort.
Optimize your server-side scripts:
Server-side scripts, such as business rules and scripts in Script Includes, can impact the platform’s performance. Optimize your server-side scripts by reducing unnecessary calculations, avoiding redundant queries, and caching data where possible. Use GlideRecord queries that retrieve only the required data and avoid using client-side APIs in server-side scripts.
Use client-side scripts judiciously:
Client-side scripts, such as UI policies and scripts in Client Scripts, can enhance the user experience but can also slow down page loading times. Use client-side scripts judiciously and only where necessary. Consider using server-side scripts for complex business logic and data manipulation.
Follow best practices for script development:
Follow ServiceNow’s best practices for script development, such as using meaningful variable and function names, commenting your code, and avoiding hardcoding values. Use the ServiceNow API documentation and community forums for guidance and support.
Use third-party libraries and APIs:
ServiceNow supports third-party libraries and APIs, such as jQuery and Google Maps API, that can enhance your scripts’ capabilities. Use these libraries and APIs where appropriate and ensure that they are properly licensed and secured.
Test your scripts thoroughly:
Test your scripts thoroughly before deploying them to production. Use ServiceNow’s automated testing framework, Automated Test Framework (ATF), to create and execute automated tests. Test your scripts across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and responsiveness.
