How do I avoid using current.update() in a business rule script by using setWorkflow() method with the false parameter

zag
Tera Expert

This script was developed to add users to the watchlist for every case if a Watchlist = True check box is active in their user profile. However this business rule is causing some recursive issues.  Based on the feedback from SN I need to stop using current.update and start using the setWorkflow(false) method.   Can someone help me modify the code below appropriately. 

This is the feedback from ServiceNow 

First and foremost, Its not recommended to use current.update() in "After" Business rule. 
Because it will lead to recursive call. It is documented here : 
-https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/kingston-application-development/page/script/business-rules/reference/r_HowBusinessRulesWork.html#d746702e265 

"Avoid using current.update() in a business rule script. The update() method triggers business rules to run on the same table for insert and update operations, leading to a business rule calling itself over and over. Changes made in before business rules are automatically saved when all before business rules are complete, and after business rules are best used for updating related, not current, objects. When a recursive business rule is detected, the system stops it and logs the error in the system log. However, current.update() causes system performance issues and is never necessary. 

You can prevent recursive business rules by using the setWorkflow() method with the false parameter. The combination of the update() and setWorkflow() methods is only recommended in special circumstances where the normal before and after guidelines mentioned above do not meet your requirements." 

In this business rule "Set watch_list acc to addtocasewatchlist" I see you are doing current.update() as many times as that of people in the watchlist. 
This is causing the case record to get updated as many times at the same time frame. 

 

 

When to Run:   When = After  , and Insert = True

Advanced

(function executeRule(current, previous /*null when async*/) {

// Add your code here
// var watchlist = [];
// watchlist = current.watch_list.split(',');
var str1 = current.watch_list;
var gr = new GlideRecord("sys_user");

gr.addQuery("company",current.account);
gr.addQuery("u_add_to_case_watchlist",true);
gr.query();
while (gr.next()) {
var str2 = gr.sys_id;
if(!current.watch_list)
{
current.watch_list = gr.sys_id;
}
else if(str1.indexOf(str2) == -1)
{
current.watch_list = current.watch_list +','+ gr.sys_id;
}
current.update();

}

})(current, previous);

 

 

18 REPLIES 18

Harsh Vardhan
Giga Patron

reason is you have used current.update() in while block.

can you put outside of the while block and it should not be after business rule. because you are doing the action on current table. just fetching the record from sys_user table and using those record to  update on the current table.

try with before business rule

SatheeshKumar
Kilo Sage
hi, i think you misunderstood the above feedback. What they are saying was current.update is not recommended becoz it will cause recursion issue Incase if current.update cannot be avoided for some critical reason use set woklflow false with current.update I.e current.setWorkflow(false); current.update(); you can use the above code to prevent recursive execution of business rule. Thanks Satheesh

RAHUL Khanna1
Mega Guru

current.setWorkflow(false);

current.update();

 

it is not getting updated .....for some fields

Deepak Ingale1
Mega Sage

Make it a before business rule and dont put current.update(). Comment that piece of code.