Why Catalog client scripts when we have traditonal client scripts?

[KM SN]

Any specific reason behind this ? Why they have separated ?

[swathisarang98 · Accepted solution]

Hi @KM SN ,

In ServiceNow, both catalog client scripts and client scripts serve distinct purposes in the platform's customisation and automation capabilities.

Catalog Client Scripts:

These scripts are specifically designed to run on catalog items within the Service Catalog. When a user interacts with a catalog item, such as filling out a form or selecting options, catalog client scripts can manipulate the behaviour of the form dynamically. They're often used to validate user input, set default values, or create dynamic behaviour  based on user selections within the catalog item.

Client Scripts:

Client scripts, on the other hand, have a broader scope. They can be applied to various parts of the ServiceNow platform, not just catalog items. Client scripts execute on the client-side (i.e., in the user's browser) and are often used to customize the behavior of forms, lists, and UI elements across different modules of the platform. They can be attached to specific tables, such as Incident or Change Request, and can trigger actions based on events like onLoad, onChange, or onSubmit.

while both types of scripts operate on the client-side and can enhance user experience and automate processes, catalog client scripts are specialised for catalog items, whereas client scripts have a wider range of applications across the entire ServiceNow platform.

In summary, Separating catalog client scripts from client scripts makes it easier for administrators and developers to manage and maintain their scripts. It provides a clear distinction between scripts intended for catalog items and those intended for other parts of the platform, simplifying the organisation and troubleshooting of scripts.

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Regards,

Swathi Sarang