---
sourceDocument: Brazil API Reference
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/api-reference

 Release :

    - brazil

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Brazil API Reference

ft:clusterId :

    - crapiref

bundleId :

    - crapiref

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Setting a GlideRecord variable to 'NULL'

# Setting a GlideRecord variable to 'NULL' {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Brazil  
Updated September 10, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
GlideRecord variables (including current) are initially null in the database. Setting these back to an empty string, a space, or the JavaScript null value will not result in a return to this initial state.
To set it back to the initial state, simply set the value to 'NULL'. Note that the update() function does not run on the current object but rather on the record. The object displays the initial value until it
is called again from the record.  
Note:  
Functionality described here requires the Admin role.

## Example 1 {#r_SettingAGlideRecordVariableToNull__section_rxv_wzv_msb}

    var grIncident = new GlideRecord('incident');
    grIncident.addNotNullQuery("assigned_to");
    grIncident.query();
    if (grIncident.next()) {
      gs.log("The incident record that is going to be updated is " + grIncident.number);
      gs.log("Previous Value of 'Assigned To' field: " + grIncident.assigned_to);
      grIncident.assigned_to = "NULL";
      grIncident.update();
      gs.log("Current Value of 'Assigned To' field: " + grIncident.assigned_to);
    }

## Example 2 (Business Rule) {#r_SettingAGlideRecordVariableToNull__section_sxv_wzv_msb}

    current.u_affected_value = 'NULL';
    current.update();