How to Automatically Clone Changes Between Two ServiceNow PDIs Without Using Update Sets or XMLs?

[Krishnakant Arv]

Hi Community,

I have two ServiceNow Personal Developer Instances (PDIs). I frequently make changes (configurations and customizations) in one PDI, and I need these changes to automatically reflect in the second PDI, ensuring both instances remain identical.

I’m aware of traditional approaches like Update Sets or XML imports, but I want to avoid using these methods. My goal is to have the second PDI automatically replicate all changes made in the first PDI without manual intervention.

Before proceeding, I’d like to understand:

1. Is there a way to set up automatic synchronization or cloning between two PDIs to ensure they remain identical?
2. If cloning is the only option, what additional steps or configurations are required to enable it between two PDIs?
3. Are there any ServiceNow tools or best practices to achieve this functionality effectively without manual efforts like Update Sets or XML imports?

Any insights, suggestions, or alternative solutions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

[Omkar Mone]

Hello,

ServiceNow doesn’t provide native tools for automated syncing between PDIs, as these instances are primarily intended for individual learning and development.

Automatic synchronization between two ServiceNow PDIs without manual efforts like Update Sets or XML imports isn't natively supported.

However, you can consider these approaches:

REST API or IntegrationHub Automation: Monitor changes in one PDI (e.g., sys_update_xml) and push them to the second PDI using APIs. This requires custom scripting and can be complex when dealing with dependencies.

You can use GIT to some extent but only at the application level.

I hope this helps.

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@Krishnakant Arv 

Responses inline

1. Is there a way to set up automatic synchronization or cloning between two PDIs to ensure they remain identical? - no OOB feature like this exists, you will have to develop custom logic for this
2. If cloning is the only option, what additional steps or configurations are required to enable it between two PDIs? - you can't clone between PDIs, that feature is not available in PDI
3. Are there any ServiceNow tools or best practices to achieve this functionality effectively without manual efforts like Update Sets or XML imports? - use update sets or you can use git and backup your PDI to git and then import it in another PDI

How to backup your Personal Developer Instance (PDI) 

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.

[yuvarajkate]

Synchronizing two ServiceNow Personal Developer Instances (PDIs) automatically in real-time is not feasible due to several inherent limitations. PDIs are designed as standalone environments for individual use, lacking built-in tools for cross-instance synchronization. They rely on Update Sets for managing configurations and customizations, which ensures dependency tracking and controlled deployment. Attempting real-time synchronization using APIs is impractical due to PDI API rate limits, potential dependency conflicts, and the absence of real-time replication features. Additionally, while cloning could be an option, it is a manual process requiring approval and overwrites all data in the target instance, which may not always be desirable. ServiceNow best practices encourage the use of controlled methods like Update Sets or source control for transferring changes, as the platform is not architected for continuous two-way replication.

• Standalone Design: PDIs operate independently and lack built-in synchronization mechanisms.
• API Limitations: Restricted API quotas in PDIs make real-time synchronization unviable.
• Complex Configurations: Changes often span multiple tables, complicating automated transfers.
• Cloning Constraints: Manual cloning overwrites all data and cannot be automated.
• Best Practices: ServiceNow emphasizes Update Sets and source control for controlled, reliable transfers.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @Krishnakant Arv 

Before proceeding, I’d like to understand:

1. Is there a way to set up automatic synchronization or cloning between two PDIs to ensure they remain identical?

Atul: NO, there is option available in PDI like this.

1. If cloning is the only option, what additional steps or configurations are required to enable it between two PDIs?

Atul: Cloning did not work in PDI. You cant clone PDI from other PDI.

1. Are there any ServiceNow tools or best practices to achieve this functionality effectively without manual efforts like Update Sets or XML imports?

Atul: XML or update sets are the best option and if you are doing development then use GitHub to get teh changes but only code you can bring.