What is ServiceNow?
The most popular ITSM tool in use today is ServiceNow. It is a software platform used for simplifying the automation of business processes besides supporting IT service management. This tool is preferred for several reasons like easy customization; low maintenance cost, besides supporting both IT Enterprise and Service Management processes. It incorporates a cloud solution that forms a single record system of both cloud and business services. With several inbuilt features, it allows for the creation of different applications and modules as per customers’ requirements using Javascript principles. It offers a guided and user-friendly interface to create new apps, give source codes and so on. Hence, knowledge of JavaScript is essential to run the ServiceNow scripting.
What is ServiceNow Scripting?
ServiceNow Scripting, in simple terms, is a computer programming language. It has a series of commands that help configure the system and execute certain tasks with ease. It uses industry-standard JavaScript to enhance the application functionality. The ServiceNow Application Programming Interface or simply, APIs help to validate data, log files, interact with third-party web services, schedule events and do many more activities.
ServiceNow scripting is classified into two types, which are
- Server Side Scripting
- Client Side Scripting
Server Side Scripting:
The Server Side Scripting runs on a web server and gives a response that can be customized according to the user’s requirements. It is executed on the database or server of the tool and classified into two categories, which are;
Business Rules: Found in the System definition application, this module helps create simple business rules using actions to set values of the field or add a message in the forms. This allows users to select the database operation and execute the business rule accordingly.
Script Include: It lets users to write custom scripts that may include functions or classes. These are reusable scripts, which means, they can be used in other client-side or server-side scripts as many times as needed.
Client Side Scripting:
Client scripts usually run on the web browser of clients. These help to determine the custom behaviours that run on occasions like, on the submission of a form or changes in a cell value. Client-side processing is done accurately only if the form is loaded completely. However, users might sometimes see some unexpected results that bypass the processing, but this happens mostly when record updates are made before loading the form. On the other hand, Client-side Glide APIs also offer different methods and classes for performing a range of client-side tasks by using scripts.
Well, this may seem complicated but candidates with even basic knowledge of JavaScript can do scripting to run in the web browser. This software supports various kinds of client scripts and some of them include;
- onLoad()
- onChange()
- onSubmit()
- onCellEdit()
onLoad():
The onLoad() script is run when the form loads even before it is seen by the user. The form contains values that are directly taken from the database. Using this type of script, users can actually the way the form first appears.
onChange():
This script runs when values are changed in any of the fields. An onChange script is useful when a value of a field is set up. It also helps to display values depending on the values that are entered in other fields.
onSubmit():
The user runs an onSubmit script when the form is submitted. This particular script is useful to validate the values entered.
onCellEdit():
Interestingly, the onCellEdit is almost the same as the onChange script. But the only key difference that exists between the two types is, onCellEdit is executed when the value of the fields in the list is altered. Meanwhile, an onChange script is executed when a value is changed in any of the fields.
How to learn Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals?
There are both online and offline mediums available for candidates who wish to be an expert in ServiceNow scripting. The training generally includes teaching the candidates how to write, test and also to debug scripts using practical ways on the ServiceNow platform. Candidates are also given training on several topics including the ServiceNow JavaScript API, UI policies, Business Rules, client-side scripting, server-side scripting and many more. Besides, interactive sessions and lab exercises are also included to help candidates perform the scripting functions at their own instance.
ServiceNow Scripting Training Requirements:
- Ability to write, test and debug JavaScript
- Familiar with database tables and columns
- ServiceNow Fundamentals course
- Preference to Certified System Administrator
- Successful completion of Code Academy’s JavaScript course is recommended
- Review the JavaScript Primer
Eligibility:
ServiceNow System Administrators with at least 3 to 6 months of experience with the ServiceNow Service Automation Platform are eligible to take up this course. Also, candidates who wish to further expand their functionality in this field can sign up for this training.
Program Content:
- Syntax editor
- Syntax checking
- UI setup
- Scope understanding, global and scoped application scripting
- Where to get scripting help
Client-side scripting:
- Client scripts
- UI policies
- Catalog client scripts & UI policies
Server-side scripting:
- Business rules
- GlideSystem
- GlideRecord
- Script an event
- Script includes
- UI Actions (client and server)
- Flow Designer
In addition to these, the ServiceNow Scripting course also offers a brief touch-up of topics such as the ServiceNow basics, fields, tables as well as development introduction.