Setting up the ServiceNow SDK and CLI in the Washington DC Release (now-sdk live walkthrough)

[Earl Duque]

This was originally aired on our Twitch channel (https://www.twitch.tv/servicenowdevprogram), which we are reviving as a trial, and then I edited it down to a single walkthrough video:

The ServiceNow platform's Washington DC release has introduced a game-changer for developers: an updated SDK (Software Development Kit) that is so much more akin to what we're used to in a "traditional" coding environment (at least for me). This latest upgrade offers a more integrated, streamlined development experience directly from our an IDE like Visual Studio Code. Here's what I talked about during this walkthrough (the following is gen-ai btw, same transcript-to-blog writing tool I made during the Gen AI Live Coding Happy Hour episode):

Setting Up for Success

The first step into this new world is setting up your environment. Our host demonstrated the importance of having Node.js and npm installed - the foundation for running the ServiceNow SDK. This preparation paves the way for a seamless integration with ServiceNow, allowing for development activities to be conducted right from your local machine, a leap forward in convenience and efficiency.

Authenticating and Creating Applications

Authenticating to your ServiceNow instance from the SDK is a straightforward process, crucial for a secure development workflow. Once authenticated, creating a new application is just a few commands away. The episode highlighted the simplicity with which developers can now scaffold new ServiceNow applications, manage scope, and authenticate directly from their code editor, emphasizing the reduced need to switch between tools.

Direct Script Management

A significant advantage discussed is the ability to manage scripts directly from VS Code. This approach not only makes development feel more native to those accustomed to traditional software development environments but also introduces efficiencies in managing script fields and integrating TypeScript for those who prefer it over JavaScript. This method of script management is a testament to the SDK’s flexibility and adaptability to developer preferences.

Live Demonstration

Perhaps the most enlightening segment was the live demonstration of creating, deploying, and managing a ServiceNow application through the SDK. This real-time walkthrough provided practical insights into the SDK’s capabilities, from creating a test table within an application scope to deploying script changes and synchronizing them with the ServiceNow instance. It underscored the SDK’s potential to streamline the development process, making it more intuitive and accessible for developers.

Concluding Thoughts

The Washington DC release of the ServiceNow SDK marks a significant evolution in the development experience on the platform. By enabling direct application management and script editing from IDEs like VS Code, ServiceNow is opening new doors for developer efficiency and creativity. This release not only enhances the development process but also aligns with modern development practices, allowing developers to stay in their code editor of choice for longer periods, thus optimizing workflow and productivity.

Whether you’re looking to transition existing applications to the new SDK or start fresh projects, this update provides the tools and flexibility needed to elevate your ServiceNow development to the next level. So, why not dive in and see how the new SDK can transform your ServiceNow development journey?