---
sourceDocument: Australia Workflow Data Fabric
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/integrate-applications

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Workflow Data Fabric

ft:clusterId :

    - crint

bundleId :

    - crint

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Use the Compare component

# Use the Compare component {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Compare two dates and time to find out whether the dates are the same by using the
Compare component in RPA Desktop Design Studio.

## Before you begin

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the Compare component. For more information
about these properties, see [Properties of the DateTime components](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/4tqW83YvcGp3FipsQ~QxVg "Learn about the properties of the DateTime components in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").

## Procedure

1. In the Toolbox pane, navigate to UtilitiesDateTime.
2. Drag the Compare component to the Design surface.
3. To configure the input fields, see [Configure port properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/o6fErdzBCUqYUWlLG1ZZzQ "Configure how data is passed to the input fields of a component or method in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").
4. Connect the data and control ports of the Compare component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.  
   {#use-datetime-format__table_jnw_jn1_krb__entry__3}

   | Port type | Purpose of connection | Mandatory? |
   |-|-|-|
   | Data In (date1) | Passes the first date of the two dates to be compared, from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Data In (date2) | Passes the second date of the two dates to be compared, from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Data Out | Returns one of the values based on the comparison result: * -1 if the first date is earlier than the second. * 0 if the first and second dates are the same. * 1 if the first date is later the second date. {#use-datetime-format__ul_fh3_sv5_prb} | Yes. To preview the data, right-click the Return field and click Preview Data. |
   | Control In | Connects to the Control Out port of one or more components. | Yes |
   | Control Out | Connects to the Control In port of any other component. | No. Connecting the port is optional. |
   [ ]

   {#use-datetime-format__table_jnw_jn1_krb}
5. **Optional:** To test the component, under the DESIGN tab, click Run.

*[\>]: and then