---
sourceDocument: Australia Build or modify applications
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/application-development

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Application scope

# Application scope {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Australia
* 
* Updated March 12, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Application scoping protects applications by identifying and restricting access to
application files and data.  
Administrators can specify what parts of an application are accessible to other applications from:

* The Custom application record
* Each application Table record
{#c_ApplicationScope__ul_jmz_5r1_t5}

For example, suppose that you create a conference room booking application in its own
application scope. By default, the application can access and change its own tables and business
logic but other applications can't unless you give them explicit permission. The application
scope ensures:  
* The conference room booking application does not interrupt core business services.
* Other applications do not interfere with its normal functioning.
{#c_ApplicationScope__ul_lsk_jp5_1r}

By default, all custom applications have a private scope that uniquely identifies them and
their associated artifacts with a namespace identifier. The application scope prevents naming
conflicts and allows the contextual development environment to determine what changes, if any,
are permitted. Application developers specify an application scope when they create an
application.  
Tip:  
Global apps can alter data that you don't intend to alter. You should leverage scoped apps to create new tables, and consider transitioning old ones to scoped apps. This allows you to split responsibilities with Delegated Development. To learn more about delegated development, see [Delegated development and deployment](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/puoonuu7YQnaAqcFsxmASg "Delegated development allows designated users without a system admin role to develop or deploy applications on the ServiceNow AI Platform.").
**Related concepts**   

* [Runtime access to applications tables](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RMALSf5v4dWTbBM_ceP2Pg#c_RuntimeAccessToAppTables "Runtime access determines if an API or web service call can run against an application table.")