Seeking a Complete Learning Roadmap to Master ServiceNow Client-Side and Server-Side Scripting

[Harshal G Patil]

Hello ServiceNow Community! 👋

I am currently learning ServiceNow development, and my goal is to build strong knowledge of both Client-Side Scripting and Server-Side Scripting, starting from the basics and progressing to advanced concepts.

I want to understand not only the syntax but also how to write scripts, solve real-time business requirements, debug errors, and implement scripting solutions in practical projects.

I would appreciate guidance on the following topics:

• Client-Side Scripting: Client Scripts (onLoad, onChange, onSubmit, onCellEdit), GlideForm (g_form), GlideUser (g_user), and UI Policies.

• Server-Side Scripting: Business Rules, Script Includes, GlideRecord, GlideAggregate, GlideSystem (gs), and Scheduled Jobs.

• Client-Server Communication: GlideAjax, AbstractAjaxProcessor, and asynchronous server calls.

• Practical Learning: Real-time scenarios, coding exercises, debugging techniques, and best practices.

• Learning Roadmap: The correct order to learn these concepts and the resources recommended for beginners.

If you have any recommended tutorials, documentation, hands-on exercises, or project ideas, please share them.

My goal is to become confident in writing and troubleshooting ServiceNow scripts independently and eventually handle real-world development requirements.

Thank you for your guidance and support! 

[Simon Hendery]

What is your current skill base in terms of JavaScript and ServiceNow app development?

Yes, there are scripting courses you can take but you need some foundational knowledge first. 

Have you completed the CAD (Certified Application Developer) training?

[Harshal G Patil]

Thank you for your guidance!

I have a  Medium Understanding of JavaScript and ServiceNow application development, and I am currently working on strengthening my fundamentals. I want to improve my knowledge of Client-Side Scripting, Server-Side Scripting, GlideAjax, Business Rules, Script Includes, and GlideRecord through practical, real-world scenarios.

I have not completed the CAD training yet. I would appreciate your recommendations on the foundational JavaScript concepts and ServiceNow learning resources I should focus on before moving to advanced scripting courses.

Could you please suggest a learning path that combines JavaScript fundamentals with hands-on ServiceNow scripting exercises?

Thank you for your time and support!

[Rafael Batistot]

Hi @Harshal G Patil 

I recommend all material of Tim Woodruff, books, blog… 

 https://www.timothywoodruff.com

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @Harshal G Patil 

I will suggest you to start with Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals  from Servicenow University if you have basic knowledge on JavaScript ( if not , visit w3School to learn JavaScript )

Next watch youtube videos on different use cases like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPsfll8TiWM&list=PL1k_gTsSGTwUGJMK9e0fxcApxo2tr6hsZ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dwAAIPkJko&list=PLKH9bPqlw1neGCJbunoZl7ag-zYxyi8Oe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUmKWZ6swLw&list=PLKH9bPqlw1nekIBUOPh5tAfXoPCFHrL5X

Check community post/article/blog for different use cases and how those have been solved using script. 

Introduction to Scripting in ServiceNow

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/mastering-servicenow-scripting-a-comprehensive-...

Check ServiceNow documentation on Client /Server side API reference ( check all items from left navigation pane) :

Client API reference 

Server API reference 

And lastly must check  Best practices on scripting:

Scripting Technical Best Practices 

Performance Best Practices for Server-side Coding in ServiceNow

ServiceNow Development Best Practices