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Understanding Script Includes in ServiceNow

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23 views3 pages

Understanding Script Includes in ServiceNow

Uploaded by

sanskar
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Script Includes

Introduction

A Script Include in ServiceNow is a reusable server-side script that is created in the Script Include
table. It allows the creation of server-side business logic that can be called by other scripts or
modules. Script Includes are primarily used to store reusable functions or methods that are needed
across various parts of the system.

Key Components of Script Includes

When creating or defining a Script Include, several key components are involved. These include:

1. Name: The unique name that identifies the Script Include within ServiceNow.
2. API Name: The name used for referencing the Script Include programmatically in other scripts.
3. Glide AJAX Enabled: Enables the Script Include to be called from client-side scripts using Glide
AJAX for server-client communication.
4. Mobile Callable: Allows the Script Include to be invoked from mobile interfaces in ServiceNow.
5. Sandbox Enabled: Enables testing the Script Include in a sandbox environment before deploying
to production.
6. Application: Specifies the ServiceNow application to which the Script Include belongs.
7. Accessible From: Defines the accessibility of the Script Include, either globally or within a specific
application scope.
8. Active: Indicates whether the Script Include is active and available for use.
9. Description: Provides a brief summary of what the Script Include does, for documentation
purposes.
Purpose and Benefits of Script Includes

Script Includes serve the purpose of encapsulating reusable business logic and making it available
across ServiceNow. The key benefits include:

1. Reusability: Once a Script Include is created, it can be invoked from anywhere in


ServiceNow, such as other scripts, business rules, UI actions, etc.
2. Maintainability: When you centralize commonly used scripts in Script Includes, it becomes
easier to maintain and update the code. You only need to make changes in one place.
3. Performance: Script Includes are efficient as they are executed on the server-side. This can
help offload tasks from the client and ensure faster performance.

Types of Script Includes

There are two main types of Script Includes in ServiceNow:

1. Global Script Includes: These are available globally and can be invoked from any part of
ServiceNow.
2. Scoped Script Includes: These are defined within a specific application scope and can only
be accessed by scripts within the same scope.

Syntax of Script Includes

A basic Script Include structure looks like this:


In the above example, a class called 'MyScriptInclude' is created using the [Link]() method. The
prototype of this class is defined, with methods such as 'initialize' and 'myFunction'. The 'type'
property is used to define the type of the Script Include.

How to Create a Script Include

To create a Script Include in ServiceNow, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to System Definition > Script Includes in the application navigator.


2. Click on New to create a new Script Include.
3. Fill in the required fields like Name, API Name, and Description.
4. Write the script logic in the script section.
5. Save or submit the Script Include.

Example of Using a Script Include

Here’s an example of calling a Script Include from a Business Rule:

In this example, we are instantiating the 'MyScriptInclude' class and calling its 'myFunction' method.
The result is then logged using [Link]().

Best Practices for Script Includes

When using Script Includes in ServiceNow, it's important to follow these best practices:

1. Use Naming Conventions: Follow a consistent naming convention for your Script Includes
so they are easy to identify and understand.
2. Avoid Hardcoding: Try to avoid hardcoding values in your Script Includes. Use variables or
configuration values that can be changed easily.
3. Modularize Your Code: Break down large scripts into smaller, reusable functions or
methods within the Script Include.

Common questions

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Global Script Includes are accessible system-wide across all parts of ServiceNow, making them versatile for use in multiple applications. In contrast, Scoped Script Includes are restricted to the specific application scope they are defined in, which limits their accessibility but allows for better encapsulation and organization within that application. This affects application development by determining how developers structure their scripts and manage dependencies, often choosing scoped includes for more modular and isolated development .

The 'Mobile Callable' feature enables Script Includes to be invoked from mobile interfaces, enhancing ServiceNow's functionality and making its capabilities accessible to users on-the-go. This feature ensures that mobile users can interact with server-side logic efficiently, providing a seamless experience regardless of device. The accessibility of this feature supports broader usability and adaptability, crucial for modern, mobile-centric work environments .

Script Includes in ServiceNow primarily encapsulate reusable server-side business logic, allowing it to be invoked across various parts of the system. They enhance maintainability by centralizing commonly used code, making updates easier since changes need only be made in one location. Additionally, because they execute on the server-side, Script Includes help offload tasks from the client, improving overall performance by reducing load times and maximizing efficiency .

Script Includes facilitate code reusability by enabling functions or methods to be centralized and accessible from various parts of ServiceNow, such as business rules and UI actions. This reduces redundancy, as developers can invoke an existing Script Include rather than rewriting similar logic. The implications for system efficiency are significant, as reusability reduces code duplication, streamlines updates, and simplifies maintenance, ultimately leading to more efficient system performance and faster development cycles .

To avoid hardcoding in Script Includes, developers should use variables or configuration values that can be easily modified without changing the code itself. This practice is important as it enhances flexibility and adaptability, making scripts more resilient to changes. It facilitates easier maintenance and updating processes, minimizing the need for code alterations and reducing the likelihood of introducing errors or inconsistencies into live environments .

Server-side Script Includes offer performance advantages over client-side scripting by offloading processing tasks to the server. This reduces the client's workload, leading to faster page loads and improved user experience. Server-side execution is generally more powerful and secure, as the code is not exposed to the end-user, reducing the risk of manipulation. These characteristics ensure robust and efficient task performance, especially beneficial in large-scale ServiceNow deployments .

The 'Sandbox Enabled' feature in Script Includes allows developers to test and debug scripts in a controlled environment before deploying them to production. This capability is critical as it helps identify potential issues without affecting live systems, ensuring that only thoroughly vetted and stable code is released. It aids in maintaining system integrity and reliability by facilitating trial runs and error correction in an isolated setting .

To create a Script Include in ServiceNow, navigate to System Definition > Script Includes, and click on 'New'. Fill in critical fields including 'Name' for unique identification, 'API Name' for programmatic reference, and 'Description' for a brief summary of the script's purpose. The script logic should then be written in the Script section, after which the Script Include can be saved or submitted .

Best practices for naming Script Includes in ServiceNow involve using consistent naming conventions that clearly describe the function or scope of the script. This approach aids in making scripts easy to identify and understand, which is particularly beneficial during development and maintenance. Well-named scripts also improve manageability by reducing confusion and helping developers quickly locate and comprehend the logic encapsulated within each Script Include .

Enabling 'Glide AJAX' in a Script Include allows it to be called from client-side scripts, facilitating asynchronous server-client interactions. This capability permits client-side scripts to communicate with server-side Script Includes without reloading the entire page, thus providing a seamless and dynamic user experience. It helps in sending and retrieving data from the server efficiently, improving interaction speed and responsiveness .

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