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


---

# ServiceNow SDK

# ServiceNow SDK {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read
Summarize  
![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI  
This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.  

## Summary of ServiceNow SDK

The ServiceNow SDK allows developers to create and develop applications locally in source code using Visual Studio Code Desktop, then upload changes to a ServiceNow instance.
It supports working with ServiceNow Fluent, a domain-specific programming language for defining application metadata, JavaScript modules, and third-party libraries.
This SDK is designed for developers who prefer industry-standard development environments and want more control over application development through code.
Show full answer Show less  

## Development Options and Builders

* **ServiceNow SDK and IDE:** Use Visual Studio Code Desktop locally with the ServiceNow SDK or the browser-based ServiceNow IDE for source code development on the ServiceNow AI Platform.
* **ServiceNow Studio:** A modern, unified development environment for platform developers seeking centralized control, integrated low-code tools, and streamlined navigation to accelerate app delivery.
* **App Engine Studio:** A low-code environment that enables building a broader range of applications without deep programming expertise.
* **Creator Studio:** A no-code tool focused on building request-fulfillment applications, ideal for users who want to create apps easily without writing code.

## Key Capabilities

* Local installation and configuration of the SDK for seamless development workflows.
* Authentication to ServiceNow instances to enable code synchronization and deployment.
* Support for creating, developing, and managing applications using modern development practices.
* Access to detailed references for the SDK CLI and ServiceNow Fluent APIs to facilitate development.

## Support and Resources

* Guidance on exploring different builders based on developer preferences and project needs.
* Community forums and articles dedicated to the ServiceNow IDE, SDK, and Fluent development.
* GitHub repository with SDK examples to accelerate learning and application development.
* Known Error Portal and Customer Service for troubleshooting and additional support.  
Create and develop applications in source code locally in Visual Studio Code Desktop and upload changes to an instance using the ServiceNow software development kit (SDK).

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

|-|-|-|
| [ExploreLearn about developing applications with the ServiceNow SDK.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/rd0wI4HBbSykGR2SPY90_Q "Learn about developing 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/fogBsYmxGTl44R_ojHOl1Q "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/nL7cd6DX4nhPL7JqXrpiAQ "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/q_z8XVTQU_O3sDIGuT5prA "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/TSA~0RNlIJsoIkW~HyJ9Ag "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/fqFhpNShLqw~tpoyaQniJA "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/ctrNTXJvQ5Ygxu7d2YraWA "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/5vacmk3x3_kqCU_WE7R3gw "ServiceNow Studio is a unified development environment where platform developers create, modify, and deploy apps. Use ServiceNow Studio to manage app files, edit metadata, and package changes for deployment without switching between tools.").

**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/F7_q8_62smdT3_7KYX_YfA "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/9ZdqTn_eJz8jrTrlJb5Z0w "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 Australia release, see the [https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=servicenow-sdk-rn\&version=australia\&pubname=australia-release-notes\&ft:locale=en-US](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=servicenow-sdk-rn&version=australia&pubname=australia-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/HcU~6LR5CHZuUX~roJ7chw "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/GhoYByb4CqOXh~M0YiJfRQ "Optimize your code base using JavaScript modules to group related code or add third-party libraries and reuse their code within applications.")

