Building pro-code applications

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 3 minutes to read
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    Summary of Building Pro-Code Applications

    This guide provides insight into creating and managing custom applications on the ServiceNow AI Platform using classic pro-code tools. It includes various development environments and tools tailored for different coding skill levels, from no-code to full-code solutions.

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    Key Features

    • Guided Application Creator: An intuitive interface guiding users through application construction.
    • ServiceNow SDK: Enables development of scoped applications locally and integration of third-party libraries.
    • ServiceNow Extensions for Visual Studio Code: Allows offline editing of applications within ServiceNow instances.
    • ServiceNow Studio: Provides an IDE-like environment for centralized application development.
    • Scripting Action Designer: Automates repeatable tasks within flows with minimal configuration.
    • Client-side and Server-side Scripting: Facilitates JavaScript execution on client and server for dynamic application behavior.
    • Core Functionality: Features such as user administration, notifications, roles, plugins, and UI policies streamline application management.
    • JavaScript APIs: Enhance application functionality through custom scripting.
    • UI Builder: Used for creating web user interfaces for various applications and portals.

    Key Outcomes

    ServiceNow customers can expect to efficiently build and manage applications tailored to their needs, whether through no-code solutions for simple tasks or full-code environments for complex applications. The tools provided empower developers to streamline processes, enhance user experiences, and maintain control over application functionality and accessibility. This flexibility supports a wide range of development needs across the organization.

    Create and manage custom applications from scratch using classic pro-code tools.

    Guided Application Creator
    Guided Application Creator provides an intuitive development interface for building applications on the ServiceNow AI Platform. A step-by-step process guides you through your initial application construction.
    ServiceNow SDK
    ServiceNow SDK enables developers to create scoped applications in source code locally in Visual Studio Code Desktop and upload changes to a ServiceNow instance. You can also use the ServiceNow SDK to create JavaScript modules and use third-party libraries.
    ServiceNow Extensions for Visual Studio Code

    The ServiceNow extensions for VS Code editor enables you to edit applications offline and within ServiceNow instances.

    ServiceNow Studio
    ServiceNow Studio provides an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)-like interface for application developers to work on custom applications in one centralized location. It offers a simple way to create, review, and update application files from a tabbed environment.

    Which builder should I use to create an app?

    Figure 1. Types of builders
    Different builders available for different skill levels

    Want to build an app easily, without code?

    Creator Studio is perfect for request-based apps. Think of requesting office supplies. You fill out a form to request a keyboard, and someone approves or denies your request. For more information, see Creator Studio: Creating applications without writing code.

    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 Build apps using App Engine Studio.

    Are you a professional coder who wants complete control?

    ServiceNow Studio is the most powerful tool, but it requires coding skills. Use this if you can’t build your app using the other options. For more information, see ServiceNow Studio.

    Scripting

    Action Designer
    Use Action Designer to automate a repeatable task within a flow as a sequence of related steps. Enable flow authors to add actions to multiple flows with minimal configuration.
    Client-side scripting
    Client scripts enable the system to run JavaScript on the client (web browser) when client-based events occur, such as when a form loads, after form submission, or when a field changes value.
    Now Code Editor
    Now Code Editor provides a rich-text editor interface that supports Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML), and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Use Now Code Editor to modify UI configuration, data resource configuration, styles, events, client-side and server-side scripts in Next Experience UI Builder components.
    Server-side scripting
    Server scripts run on the server or database. They can change the appearance or behavior of the ServiceNow AI Platform or run as business rules when records and tables are accessed or modified.

    Core functionality

    Groups

    Simplify user administration by assigning roles to groups. Any business rules, assignment rules, system roles, or attributes that refer to the group apply to all group members automatically.

    Notifications
    Use ServiceNow Notifications to manage system email, create system notifications, and configure how your system responds to inbound email.
    Roles
    Roles control access to features and capabilities in applications and modules. The admin role provides access to all features and capabilities.
    ServiceNow plugins
    Plugins are software components that provide specific features and functionalities within a ServiceNow instance.
    UI policies
    UI policies dynamically change the behavior of information on a form and control custom process flows for tasks.
    Users
    User records establish a relationship between an individual and your ServiceNow instance. User records consist of a user name, a password, and information relating to the individual, such as contact information, location, and job title.

    Related applications and features

    JavaScript APIs
    Use JavaScript APIs in scripts that you write to change the functionality of applications, or when you create new applications.
    UI Builder
    Use UI Builder to build web user interfaces for CSM Configurable Workspace, App Engine Studio generated workspaces and portals, or custom web experiences using Next Experience Components and custom web components.