⚔️ Understanding Execution Order: Client Script vs UI Policy in ServiceNow

[Bhavesh Patil]

"Minor tweak, major effect"

Hey ServiceNow Community! 👋
If you've ever wondered which runs first—Client Script or UI Policy, or how multiple UI Policies interact, this article clears up the confusion with real-world examples and simple logic. Let's dive in! 🧠

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🕒Client Script vs UI Policy – Who Executes First?

In ServiceNow, Client Scripts run before UI Policies.
But here's the twist: UI Policies take final control when both modify the same field.

🔍Example:

If a Client Script hides a field and a UI Policy is configured to show it —
➡️The field will be visible, because UI Policy overrides the previous change.

✅Key Takeaway:
Even though Client Scripts execute first, UI Policies have the final say in case of conflicts.

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🔄UI Policy Execution Order – What Happens When Multiple Policies Target the Same Field?

When several UI Policies affect the same field, ServiceNow uses the Order field to determine their sequence.

• 🟢 Lower Order = Executes First

• 🔴Higher Order = Takes Effect in Case of Conflict
  

🔍Example:

UI Policy A (Order: 100) hides a field.
UI Policy B (Order: 300) shows the same field.
➡️The field will be visible, because UI Policy B runs later and overrides the effect.

🎯Pro Tip:
Use the Order value wisely to control how multiple UI Policies stack and behave.

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💡Final Thought

While Client Scripts are powerful for custom logic, UI Policies are designed to simplify form behavior — especially with features like Reverse if false and condition builder.

Understanding execution order helps you build cleaner, conflict-free client-side logic in your forms.

📢What’s your experience?
Have you run into any unexpected behavior with UI Policy and Client Script conflicts? Share your tips, tricks, or questions below!

If this helped, please mark it as Correct or Helpful—it really means a lot!

[ererg]

Really appreciate this breakdown, tips was especially helpful! 🙌

[ganeshbagul]

Excellent summary