As I begin sharing my experiences here, I wanted to start with something that might help others who are just beginning their ServiceNow journey.
These are the **top 5 things I wish I had known earlier**βinsights that would have saved me hours of trial and error.
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πΉ 1. Understand the Platform, Not Just the Module
When I started, I dove straight into ITSM and missed the bigger picture.
π ServiceNow is not just a set of apps β itβs a powerful **platform**.
π Learn how:
* Tables & relationships work
* Dictionary entries define structure
* ACLs control access
Once you understand the platform layer, every module starts making more sense β and customizations become smarter and safer.
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πΉ 2. π οΈ Always Follow Best Practices β They Exist for a Reason
Whether itβs scripting, building flows, or designing UIs β **best practices** are your long-term friends.
β
Key habits to adopt:
* Use **naming conventions** consistently
* Write **modular, reusable, and commented** code
* Prefer **Flow Designer** or **Script Includes** over duplicated logic
* Stick to **configuration over customization** whenever possible
This makes your work easier to scale, maintain, and upgrade.
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πΉ 3. π Leverage the Official Docs & Developer Portal Early
Don't rely solely on YouTube or random blogs in the beginning.
The official [ServiceNow Docs](https://docs.servicenow.com/) and [Developer Portal](https://developer.servicenow.com/) are your best teachers.
π‘ Youβll find:
* Step-by-step **learning paths**
* Access to **personal developer instances**
* **Code examples** and **release-specific content**
They help you build real confidence backed by reliable, structured knowledge.
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πΉ 4. βοΈ Understand Client-Side vs Server-Side Scripting
A common beginner mistake: using the wrong script in the wrong place. This can break performance, logic, or even security.
π§ Quick guide:
* Use **Client Scripts & UI Policies** for form-level interactions
* Use **Business Rules, Script Includes & Flows** for backend logic
* Use **GlideAjax** to safely call server-side code from the client
Mastering this will give you clean, optimized, and upgrade-safe code.
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πΉ 5. π€ Never Underestimate the Community β Itβs Your Best Resource
No matter your experience, youβll hit roadblocks. Thatβs when the **ServiceNow Community** becomes your best ally.
π£οΈ Tips to make the most of it:
* Search before you post β someoneβs already been there
* Ask questions or share even small wins
* Follow contributors and trending topics
Being part of this community helps you **grow faster, learn smarter, and stay inspired**. Thatβs why Iβm starting my own contribution journey here β to learn, share, and give back.
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π Final Note:
> If youβre just starting out, I hope these tips help you skip a few early mistakes and grow with more clarity.
> Let me know in the comments β whatβs *one thing* you wish *you* knew when you started with ServiceNow?
If this helped, please mark it as Correct or Helpfulβit really means a lot!
