What coding language is ServiceNow?

The primary coding language used in ServiceNow is JavaScript. ServiceNow uses JavaScript for both client-side and server-side scripting, making it a crucial language for anyone working with the platform, especially in development and advanced customization roles.

Here’s how JavaScript is used in different parts of ServiceNow:

1. Client-Side Scripting (JavaScript)

Client-side scripts in ServiceNow run in the user's browser to enhance the user interface or validate form data. Common client-side scripting methods include:

• Client Scripts: Used to control form fields, validate inputs, and dynamically update the form's behavior based on user actions.

  • Example: An onChange client script to auto-populate a field based on another field’s value.

• UI Actions: Used to create buttons or links that perform actions when clicked, such as submitting a form.

• UI Policies: While not strictly JavaScript, UI policies can be used to control field visibility and mandatory status, sometimes enhanced with script.

2. Server-Side Scripting (JavaScript)

Server-side scripts in ServiceNow run on the server and interact with the platform’s database. Common server-side scripting methods include:

• Business Rules: Scripts that execute when records are inserted, updated, or deleted, automating tasks based on database actions.

• GlideRecord API: A powerful API used to query and manipulate records in the ServiceNow database.

  • Example: Querying the database to fetch incident records and perform an action:

  var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
  gr.addQuery('priority', 1);
  gr.query();
  while (gr.next()) {
      gr.state = 2; // Change state
      gr.update();
  }

• Script Includes: Reusable server-side code that can be called from other scripts or workflows.

• Scheduled Jobs and Events: JavaScript is also used to create scheduled jobs that automate routine tasks and events in the platform.

3. Scripting for Custom Applications

If you're developing custom applications on ServiceNow, JavaScript is also used for:

• Custom Widgets in Service Portal: Uses JavaScript and AngularJS to build interactive components.
• Scripted REST APIs: Allows developers to create custom REST API endpoints using JavaScript to handle incoming requests.

4. Flow Designer and Low-Code Tools

Although JavaScript is the core coding language, ServiceNow also offers low-code/no-code tools like Flow Designer and Workflow Editor that reduce the need for manual coding. However, you can still extend these tools with JavaScript to add more complex logic.

Conclusion

In ServiceNow, JavaScript is the main programming language used for both client-side and server-side scripting. Whether you're building workflows, automating processes, querying the database, or developing custom applications, JavaScript is key to writing the scripts and logic that power the platform.