What is the difference between Async and After BR?

[a41022639]

Hello Community,

I am bit confused, what is the difference between the async and after BR and when should we use it.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @a41022639 

async
-When the scheduler runs the scheduled job created from the business rule.
The system creates a scheduled job from the business rule

after
-After the user submits the form and after any action is taken on the record in the database.

https://www.servicenow.com/community/now-platform-forum/difference-between-asyn-and-after-business-r....

[Akshay03 · Accepted solution]

Hello,

The "Async" (asynchronous) and "after" (synchronous) are terms used to describe the execution timing of business rules. Understanding when to use each depends on the specific requirements of your business logic.

Async execution : Asynchronous business rules are executed after the database operation completes and the response is returned to the user.

After execution : Synchronous business rules are executed immediately after the database operation is performed but before the response is sent to the user.

[Abhishek_Thakur · Accepted solution]

Hello @a41022639 

After business rule executes, after the record inserted into the database, whereas async business rule works in the background asynchronously as it names convey.

If you don't want your user interaction to be on hold, you should go with async business rule it usually prefers for web services. Because sometime while using the after-business rule, user experience may be on hold.

[Abhishek_Thakur · Accepted solution]

If you need any help while writing code, you can DM me.

[Yashsvi]

Hi @a41022639,

In ServiceNow, "Async" and "After BR" (Business Rule) are both terms related to the execution timing and order of operations within the platform, particularly when dealing with business rules.

1. Async (Asynchronous Execution):
- Definition: Asynchronous execution refers to processes or actions that occur independently of the main program flow. In the context of ServiceNow, asynchronous execution in business rules means that the associated script runs separately from the main transaction. This allows the main operation to continue without waiting for the asynchronous task to complete.

2. After BR (After Business Rule):
- Definition: After Business Rule specifies the timing of when a business rule should execute relative to the main transaction. Specifically, "After" means the business rule will execute after the record has been processed and updated as part of the transaction.

Key Differences:
- Execution Timing: Async scripts run independently and can be executed in parallel with the main transaction, while "After BR" scripts run sequentially after the transaction is complete.
- Dependency on Record State: Async scripts are less dependent on the current state of the record (they can start processing even before the transaction completes), whereas "After BR" scripts rely on the final state of the record after all changes are applied.

Choosing Between Async and After BR:
- Use Async when the task can be performed independently of the current transaction and does not need to block the user interaction.
- Use After BR when you need to ensure that your script operates on the final state of the record, after all other business rules and database operations have completed.

Understanding these timing considerations is crucial for designing efficient and effective workflows within ServiceNow, ensuring that processes are executed in the appropriate sequence and with optimal performance.

Please check below links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lznv3OR-iSw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk6KWJm6U6Y

https://servicenowinterviewbuddy.com/snib_business_rule_queries.php

Thank you, please make helpful if you accept the solution. 

[Anurag Tripathi]

Hi,

After BR runs after the transaction , but it is part of the same transaction. It is 

Async BR also runs after the transaction only but It is not part of the transaction, It may run few seconds after the transaction or even late, depending on the job queue. It essentially runs as a job after the transaction is complete. We use this when there is something that should happen after an update , but it is not important to do it immediately after the transaction.

hope this helps

[Jitendra Diwak1]

Hi @a41022639 

In the context of ServiceNow business rules:

- **Async Business Rule**: Executes asynchronously, meaning it runs in the background without waiting for the completion of the current transaction. It's useful for tasks that don't require immediate feedback or don't need to block the user interface. Async business rules are typically faster for the user since they don't delay the current operation.

- **After Business Rule**: Executes after a record is inserted, updated, or deleted. It runs synchronously, meaning it's part of the current transaction and can impact the user experience by potentially delaying the operation until the rule completes. After business rules are commonly used for validation or to enforce specific business logic after a record action has occurred.

So, the main difference lies in their timing and impact on user experience: async rules run in the background without affecting the current transaction, while after business rules are part of the current transaction and can potentially delay it.

Please accept my solution if it resolves your issue and thumps 👍 

Thanks 

Jitendra