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

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# ServiceNow SDK

# ServiceNow SDK {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated July 31, 2025
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Create and develop scoped applications in source code locally in Visual Studio Code Desktop and upload changes to an instance using the ServiceNow software development kit (SDK).
Note:  
The ServiceNow SDK doesn't support the Global scope or global applications with instances on the Xanadu release.

## Get started {#servicenow-sdk-landing__section_wd2_5d1_jbc}

|-|-|-|
| [ExploreLearn about developing applications with the ServiceNow SDK.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/wcDVx9HZPgybQluQxIW0NA "Learn about developing scoped applications in source code locally and installing changes on an instance with the ServiceNow SDK.") | [ConfigureInstall and configure the ServiceNow SDK locally.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/NhX5FyCGfNWpCjiW4ZneTg "Install or upgrade the ServiceNow SDK locally and get language processing and validation for ServiceNow Fluent in Visual Studio Code.") | [AuthenticateAuthenticate to ServiceNow instances.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/OsHYQJIFy0yPhNb3xIUGfQ "Authenticate to a ServiceNow instance and store user credentials for accessing the instance on your system with the ServiceNow SDK.") |
| [CreateCreate applications in source code.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/114XuUfyiwg~eHUMja3J_w "Add applications to your local system to get started with development in source code with the ServiceNow SDK.") | [DevelopDevelop applications in source code.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/iIOFNsDxn_V4rONU5ukInA "Create and develop applications in source code locally in Visual Studio Code Desktop with the ServiceNow SDK. Build and install applications to make your changes available on an instance.") | [ReferenceGet details about the ServiceNow SDK CLI and ServiceNow Fluent APIs.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/i6lkFr_8y5H2tRMJLwxwuA "Reference topics provide additional information about ServiceNow SDK CLI commands and ServiceNow Fluent APIs.") |
[ ]

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## Which builder should I use to create an app? {#servicenow-sdk-landing__section_lgt_rbk_ccc}

**Are you a developer who wants to use industry-standard development tools and processes?**

The ServiceNow IDE and ServiceNow SDK support developing applications in source code with ServiceNow Fluent, creating JavaScript modules, and using third-party libraries. ServiceNow Fluent is a domain-specific programming language for creating application metadata in code.

The ServiceNow IDE is an implementation of Visual Studio Code for the Web on the ServiceNow AI Platform. The ServiceNow SDK uses Visual Studio Code Desktop locally. For more information, see [Building applications in source code](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/gjFgQZz3ZfxdXU0DH4e5MQ "Create and develop custom applications in source code using familiar development tools and processes.").

**Are you a developer who wants more control in a centralized user interface?**

Build apps smarter and deliver them faster with the new ServiceNow Studio. ServiceNow Studio empowers platform developers with a modern, unified environment for building on the ServiceNow AI Platform. ServiceNow Studio features streamlined navigation to applications and metadata, integrated low-code tools, efficient tracking and packaging of development work that accelerates development processes and enhances
productivity. For more information, see [Exploring ServiceNow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/TAxFckGJZQA63l61AAeplw "ServiceNow Studio delivers a cohesive, efficient experience for mid-to-high-skilled developers to create, modify, and extend apps. ServiceNow Studio is a single place that you can go to do development work, delivering value to your business faster.").

**Need a more general app but still want low-code options?**

App Engine Studio lets you build a broader range of apps than Creator Studio without being a programming pro. For more information, see [Exploring App Engine Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/GsErco9kNjmVSnc7uuStNw "Learn how you can use the low-code app development tool, App Engine Studio (AES), to build powerful applications using guided setup, predefined templates, and workflows.").

**Want to build an app easily, without code?**

Creator Studio specializes in helping you craft request-fulfillment applications without writing code. For example, an application to request office supplies by filling out a form, and someone approves or denies
your request. For more information, see [Exploring Creator Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/KJj4Hq8nocCGn1DU21Q92A "Creator Studio makes creating apps easier by dividing their creation into simple steps. In this section, we'll explain each one.").

## Troubleshoot and get help {#servicenow-sdk-landing__section_c22_5d1_jbc}

* To learn more about what's new in the Xanadu release, see the [ServiceNow SDK release notes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=servicenow-sdk-rn&version=xanadu&pubname=xanadu-release-notes&ft:locale=en-US).
* [ServiceNow SDK and Fluent Creator Toolbox](https://www.youtube.com/live/PHFZBsbTTtI?si=DbZq3aTEtqUlxpbi&t=2167) video
* [ServiceNow SDK examples](https://github.com/ServiceNow/sdk-examples) GitHub repository
* [ServiceNow IDE, SDK, and Fluent forum](https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-ide-sdk-and-fluent/bd-p/ide-sdk-fluent-forum) in the ServiceNow Community
* [ServiceNow IDE, SDK, and Fluent articles](https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-ide-sdk-and-fluent/tkb-p/ide-sdk-fluent-articles) in the ServiceNow Community
* [Search the Known Error Portal for known error articles](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0597477)
* [Contact Customer Service and Support](https://support.servicenow.com/now?draw=case)
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**Related concepts**   

* [ServiceNow Fluent](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/e_U08PErXJdneo77q8TISQ "Define application metadata in source code using the ServiceNow Fluent domain-specific programming language.")
* [JavaScript modules and third-party libraries](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/~hgNIdknFEpmBqpxVylH0A "Optimize your code base using JavaScript modules to group related code or add third-party libraries and reuse their code within applications.")

