difference between getValue() and setDisplayValue()

22eg105p57 · ‎07-07-2025

Hi everyone,

I’m currently learning ServiceNow and got confused between the usage of getValue() and getDisplay() methods in scripts.

Can someone clearly explain:

What is the difference between getValue() and setDisplayValue()?

Thanks in advance!

prerna_sh · ‎07-07-2025

getDisplayValue() is used to retrieve the displayed (user-friendly) value of a field. For example, if you're working with a reference field like "assigned_to", this method will return the user's name.

getValue(), on the other hand, retrieves the actual stored value in the database, which may differ from the display value. For reference fields, it typically returns the Sys ID or a unique value.

setDisplayValue() method sets the value of a reference field by using its display value (e.g., a user's name instead of their sys_id).

For Better understanding please go through: How to use getDisplayValue() and getValue() for ... - ServiceNow Community

If my response solves your query, please marked helpful by selecting Accept as Solution and Helpful. Let me know if anything else is required.
Thanks,
Prerna

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Deepika18 · ‎07-07-2025

Hi @22eg105p57 ,

getValue() will retrive the value of the field - incase of reference field you will get the sys ID.

getDisplayValue() will retrive the display value of the field - incase of reference field you will get the Display value instead of sys ID.

Please mark as Accepted if this resolves your issue.

Regards,

Deepika

Shubham_Jain · ‎07-07-2025

@22eg105p57 Can you refer this Difference between getValue() and getDisplay() - ServiceNow Community .. Just responded

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Shubham Jain

Viraj Hudlikar · ‎07-07-2025

Hello @22eg105p57

getValue() = Returns the raw value stored in the database. Typically used for fields like reference, choice, date/time, etc.

ex

var user = gr.getValue('assigned_to'); // returns sys_id

getDisplayValue() = Returns the human-readable display value of a field. Especially useful for reference or choice fields.

ex.

var userName = gr.getDisplayValue('assigned_to'); // returns name like "John Doe"

setDisplayValue() (used in GlideRecord scripting) = Sets the display value for a field, typically used when inserting or updating reference/choice fields. ServiceNow will resolve the display value to the actual value (e.g., sys_id) behind the scenes.

ex.

gr.setDisplayValue('assigned_to', 'John Doe');

Method	Purpose	Example Output
getValue()	Raw value from DB	e3f2c1d3... (sys_id)
getDisplayValue()	Human-readable value	John Doe
setDisplayValue()	Set field using display value	Resolves to sys_id

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Thanks & Regards
Viraj Hudlikar.

Viraj Hudlikar · ‎07-08-2025

Hello @22eg105p57

I believe you are doing great.

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Viraj Hudlikar