Table of Contents
Introducation
Getting Started with ServiceNow
ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform for developing custom applications to automate services across an enterprise.
It provides a robust infrastructure and toolset to create streamlined workflows and processes without managing complex code deployments.
To get started, join up for a free ServiceNow developer instance, which provides a sandbox environment for learning and development.
Within ServiceNow, the core components to understand include:
Applications: Self-contained modules with related data and functionality
- Think of applications like apps on your phone – they deliver specific capabilities
- Examples: Incident Management, Change Management, Request Management apps
Tables: Databases that store structured information
- Similar to spreadsheets, tables contain rows (records) and columns (fields)
- You define the schema – fields like number, description, category, etc.
Forms: User interfaces for interacting with data in tables
- Forms allow users to view, create, update, and manage records
- Can include related lists, visual cues, logic, and more
Business rules: Logic that automates processes and enforces data rules
- Triggers can automatically update fields, send notifications, etc. based on conditions
- Validation rules ensure data quality and required information
Navigating The ServiceNow Interface
The ServiceNow development services interface is designed for ease of use while providing powerful configuration capabilities.
Get comfortable with the layout and key areas:
Navigation filters
- Search for and access different applications, filters, and favorites
- Create custom filters for your frequent tasks
Form boards
- See lists of records from a table like a spreadsheet
- Customize columns and perform inline edits
Forms
- The detailed view for an individual record
- Fill out fields, add work notes, view related records
Application menus
- Every application has modules for different functions
- Access forms, reports, scripts, and more for that application
To build proficiency, practice common tasks like:
Searching for and viewing records in different tables
- Use filters to locate specific records quickly
Opening and filling out forms
- Create new records, and update existing ones
- Link-related records to build associations
Setting up personal preferences
- Customize your default views and onboarding settings
Running basic system diagnostic scripts
- Fix issues and understand underlying data with scripts
The more you interact with the interface, the more intuitive it will become. Don’t be afraid to click around and explore different applications.
Building Your First Application
Applications are the core building blocks for delivering new functionality and processes in ServiceNow.
An application contains related components like tables, user interfaces, workflows, scripts, and more.
Building a simple application from scratch is the best way to start practicing your ServiceNow development skills. Here are the typical steps:
1) Create a new application module
- Open the Application file and provide basic details like scope, name, etc.
- Choose the appropriate credentialed data source
2) Design your application’s data model
- What data types does your application need to store and act on?
- Create new tables and define the necessary fields (columns)
3) Build user interfaces
- Use forms, UI pages, and related lists to allow user interaction
- Forms map to specific table records that can be viewed, created, or edited
4) Add business logic and Test your application
- Bring your application to life with automated behaviors
- Configure through client scripts, server-side scripts, catalog items, workflows, and more
- Enter sample data and simulate real-world scenarios
- Debug any issues in the application functionality
5) Deploy to different ServiceNow instances
- Development → Test → Production instances
- Follow change/release procedures
Even a basic application will reinforce key concepts. Start small with something simple, then gradually add complexity.
Using The Application Navigator
The Application Navigator is your hub for viewing, configuring, and managing all application components and modules.
From the nav filter, open ‘Native Navigation’ > ‘Application Navigator’.
This is where you’ll spend a lot of time building out applications.
Key capabilities include:
- Creating new application modules like tables, forms, and scripts
- Defining properties, access controls, integrations, and more for each module
- Previewing and interacting with modules during development
- Linking components together into cohesive applications
As you build proficiency, you’ll get faster at navigating the Application Navigator and understanding how everything connects. Consistent practice is key.
Customizing With Code
While ServiceNow development services enable low-code application development through visual configurations, being able to write code is still essential for more advanced customizations.
There are two main types of scripting:
Client-side Scripts
- Written in JavaScript and executed in the web browser
- Used for form validations, field transformations, UI behaviors
- Examples: Conditionally showing/hiding fields, field value calculations, UI element interactions
- Stored in Script Includes or UI Policies
Server-side Scripts
- Written in ServiceNow’s server-side scripting language
- Run on ServiceNow servers for complex backend logic
- Used for data integrations, automated job scheduling, complex workflows
- Examples: Fetch/post data from external systems, scheduling reports, multi-level approvals
- Stored in Script Includes or Business Rules
To get started coding:
- Access script editors from the Application Navigator
- Review the out-of-box script examples for common use cases
- Leverage provided tools like the Script Debugger and Script Editor side-by-side code views
As you progress, dig deeper into ServiceNow script APIs, GlideRecord database interactions, and integration capabilities. Mastering both client and server scripting unlocks limitless custom functionality.
Exploring Studio & Application Lifecycle
While the ServiceNow interface allows for basic development, it has limitations for more complex projects.
This is where ServiceNow Studio, an integrated development environment (IDE), becomes crucial.
Studio provides a more robust interface for deeper coding, configurations, and lifecycle management. Key capabilities include:
Source control integration and Advanced development tools
- Connect your application repositories (GitHub, BitBucket, etc.)
- Manage check-ins, check-outs, merges and more
- Script editor with syntax highlighting, auto-complete, etc.
- Script debugger, execution profiler, code search
- Application module dependencies visualization
Testing & deployment automation
- Automated test suite execution locally and remotely
- Build and deploy pipelines to different instance environments
- Application documentation generation
- Sample data creation and configuration backup/restore
As your applications grow larger and more complex, Studio becomes indispensable.
Leveraging the IDE allows development teams to efficiently collaborate using modern practices like:
Branching strategies and peer code reviews, Automated build, test, and deployment pipelines, and Versioning and release management
To maximize Studio, integrate it into a broader DevOps toolchain spanning requirements management, project tracking, and monitoring. However, start small – you can use Studio for a single app.
Be sure to follow the defined processes:
- Use source control repositories
- Maintain separate development, test, and production instances
- Follow semantic versioning for releases
- Automate build, test, and deployment pipelines where possible
Implementing effective lifecycle management from day one prevents technical debt.
Conclusion
ServiceNow development opens up a world of digital transformation possibilities for enterprises.
By mastering this powerful platform, you can automate processes, build custom apps, integrate systems, and drive productivity.
The first steps are challenging, but incredibly rewarding as you see your skills grow.
Don’t get discouraged – keep practicing, experimenting, and learning each day. The journey will be well worth it.
What was the most valuable takeaway you gained from this beginner’s guide?
Share your thoughts in the comments below
FAQ’s
1) Why is source control important for ServiceNow development?
Source control systems like Git allow development teams to collaboratively manage application code changes, merge contributions, and maintain version history.
This prevents code conflicts, enables peer reviews, and facilitates deploying changes across different ServiceNow instances in a controlled manner.
2) What are some best practices for building maintainable ServiceNow applications?
Write modular, reusable code following consistent naming/formatting standards. Implement proper error handling and input validation.
Document code logic with thorough comments.
Separate application components across development, test, and production instances. Automate build, test, and deployment processes where possible.
3) How can I continue expanding my ServiceNow development skills?
Consistent hands-on practice is key – keep building applications of increasing complexity.
Join the ServiceNow developer community forums and meetup groups.
Explore official ServiceNow training, certifications, and documentation resources. Follow influencers who share tips, tools, and updates about the ServiceNow platform.
