What is benefit of creating custom app in Global scope? Why SN has given that option in studio?

[Suggy]

What is benefit of creating custom app in Global scope? Why ServiceNow has given the option of creating custom app in global scope?

[Community Alums]

Hi @Suggy ,

I usually follow this Article : https://www.servicenow.com/community/in-other-news/using-global-scope-apps-to-make-customizations-in...

[Ct111]

Creating a custom app in the global scope in ServiceNow has specific use cases and benefits, despite most new apps being recommended to be created in scoped applications.
Here are the benefits and reasons why ServiceNow provides this option:

Benefits of Creating a Custom App in Global Scope

Cross-Scope Accessibility:

Objects in the global scope are easily accessible across the entire instance without requiring explicit cross-scope access permissions.
This is useful if you want multiple applications to interact seamlessly without restrictions.


Backward Compatibility:

Legacy ServiceNow implementations and older apps were built in the global scope. Providing the ability to create global apps ensures compatibility with existing setups.

Simpler Integration with Out-of-the-Box Modules:

Global apps can directly interact with core ServiceNow modules like Incident, Change, and Problem, which also operate in the global scope.

No Script Restrictions:

Scoped apps enforce stricter security by limiting access to APIs and scripts between scopes. Global scope removes such restrictions, enabling more flexibility for developers who need it.

Ideal for Shared Utilities:

If you're building a utility or common functionality meant to be reused by multiple apps (e.g., custom script includes, scheduled jobs, or shared libraries),global scope ensures universal accessibility.

Why ServiceNow Provides This Option
Support for Legacy Development:

ServiceNow was originally designed with a single global namespace. The global scope option ensures developers can still work with older implementations.

Flexibility for Complex Use Cases:

Some scenarios, such as highly interconnected apps or scripts that must override system behavior globally, are better suited for the global scope.

Ease of Access in Simple Environments:

In smaller organizations or non-complex environments, creating apps in the global scope simplifies management by avoiding scope barriers.

Developer Freedom:

ServiceNow leaves the choice of using the global scope to developers for situations where it fits their needs better.

Recommendation:
Despite the flexibility, apps in the global scope lack the isolation, control, and security of scoped apps. It's recommended to use global scope only when absolutely necessary,
such as for shared components or apps requiring extensive cross-module integration. For most cases, scoped apps are preferred for better maintainability and security.

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@Suggy 

from my understanding if we develop custom app in global scope then developers can easily access and modify core ServiceNow components and can interact.

if we developed a scoped app then sometimes it becomes challenging interacting with OOB global scope components, we have to create cross scope records etc

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

[PrashantLearnIT]

Hi @Suggy 

Developing a custom application in the global scope provides distinct benefits, particularly for legacy systems or platform-wide functionalities.

Applications in the global scope have unrestricted access to ServiceNow's core components, including scripts, tables, and business rules. This facilitates seamless integration and direct interaction with the platform's native features.

In earlier ServiceNow implementations, customizations often leveraged the global scope. For organizations with extensive legacy customizations, continuing development in this scope can simplify processes and ensure compatibility.

Objects within the global scope are inherently visible and accessible throughout the platform, making it easier to implement system-wide functionalities without requiring additional configurations, such as cross-scope permissions.

While scoped applications introduce restrictions to enhance security and maintainability, these constraints can sometimes complicate development. The global scope removes these limitations, allowing faster development in scenarios where security and encapsulation are less of a concern.