What is the difference Between gr.initialize() and gr.newRecord() ?

[SohamTipnis]

Can somebody clear my doubt on this? and  Which is more preferable?

Thanks & Regards,

Soham 

[Shashank_Jain · Accepted solution]

@SohamTipnis ,

gr.initialize()

• Used after you already created a GlideRecord object and selected a table.

gr.newRecord()

• Creates a new empty record for the table in one step.

• Internally, it calls initialize(), but also does some extra setup:

  • It executes any business rules or default values defined for when = new or Display Business Rules.

In simple words if I have to explain this to you -

• Use initialize() when you just want a blank record quickly (no defaults).

• Use newRecord() when you want a record with defaults and business rules applied, just like creating it from the UI.

• newRecord() behaves like clicking "New" on the Incident form.

• Any default values (like Priority = 3, State = New) or "on new" Business Rules will run.

• So the record gets created with those defaults already set.

Hope it helps!

[Shruti D · Accepted solution]

Hello @SohamTipnis,

•  gr.initialize()

Purpose: Prepares a new record for insertion.

What it does: makes a new empty record with no values filled in. It resets everything so you can start fresh.

Use: When you want to insert a new record into a table.

Example:

var incidentGR = new GlideRecord('incident');
incidentGR.initialize(); // starts a new empty record
incidentGR.short_description = 'Test incident';
incidentGR.insert();

 This is used to create a new record manually.

• gr.newRecord()

Purpose: Similar to initialize(), but also pre-populates default values, including ones from the dictionary, default values, or Business Rules.

What it does: Creates a new record and sets default values based on the table's dictionary and from client scripts or UI policies (on the server).

Use: When you want a new record with default field values already set.

Example:

var incidentGR = new GlideRecord('incident');
incidentGR.newRecord(); // new record with default values
gs.info(incidentGR.category); // might show a default value

So in short,

gr.initialize(): Creates a completely empty new record with no default values set.

gr.newRecord(): Creates a new record and automatically fills in the default values defined in the system.

Please Mark Correct ✔️ if this solves your query and also mark Helpful 👍 if you find my response worthy based on the impact.

Regards,

Shruti

[Shruti D · Accepted solution]

Hello @SohamTipnis,

•  gr.initialize()

Purpose: Prepares a new record for insertion.

What it does: makes a new empty record with no values filled in. It resets everything so you can start fresh.

Use: When you want to insert a new record into a table.

Example:

var incidentGR = new GlideRecord('incident');
incidentGR.initialize(); // starts a new empty record
incidentGR.short_description = 'Test incident';
incidentGR.insert();

 This is used to create a new record manually.

• gr.newRecord()

Purpose: Similar to initialize(), but also pre-populates default values, including ones from the dictionary, default values, or Business Rules.

What it does: Creates a new record and sets default values based on the table's dictionary and from client scripts or UI policies (on the server).

Use: When you want a new record with default field values already set.

Example:

var incidentGR = new GlideRecord('incident');
incidentGR.newRecord(); // new record with default values
gs.info(incidentGR.category); // might show a default value

So in short,

gr.initialize(): Creates a completely empty new record with no default values set.

gr.newRecord(): Creates a new record and automatically fills in the default values defined in the system.

Please Mark Correct ✔️ if this solves your query and also mark Helpful 👍 if you find my response worthy based on the impact.

Regards,

Shruti

[SohamTipnis]

Got it! 👍

Thank you @Shruti D 😀

[sumityadav8 · Accepted solution]

Hi @SohamTipnis ,

Whenever you are using gr.initialize() it creates a blank record in memory, here default values are not populated in the blank record

var gr = new GlideRecord("incident");

gr.initialize();

gs.print(gr.getValue('category'));

gr.setValue('caller_id','abedbd9a534722101ade32a0a0490ee7');

gr.setValue('short_description','Hii testing now');

gr.insert();

Run this Query you will get null output, because gr.initiliaze() is creating completely blank records in all fields

While gr.newRecord() creates a new blank record where default values are already populated in

var gr = new GlideRecord("incident");

gr.newRecord();

gs.print(gr.getValue('category'));

gr.setValue('caller_id','abedbd9a534722101ade32a0a0490ee7');

gr.setValue('short_description','Hii testing now');

gr.insert();

here You will get Output as 'Inquiry' which is the default value of category field of incident table

As per Performance is Concern, it's better to use newRecord();

Warm Regards

Sumit Y

[SohamTipnis]

Thanks for your answer 😊