General guidelines for Build Agent

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated April 1, 2026
  • 1 minute to read

    • Use these guidelines to get the most out of Build Agent in your development workflow.

    Development guidelines

    To maximize Build Agent effectiveness, use the following practices:
    • Design before coding: Think through and document the requirements for your application across the data and UI layers, for example using Workflow Studio or Figma.
    • Start with a clear plan: Collaborate with Build Agent to define scope, required tables, and metadata types.
    • Instruct with context: Write instructions for what you want to achieve with your application using Markdown in your file system, and ask Build Agent to use the file as context for its work.
    • Use specific terminology: Treat Build Agent as your development partner. Provide specific, clear instructions using ServiceNow platform terminology such as table names, field names, roles, and artifact types.
    • Test early and often: Add sample records, test on the instance, and build ATF tests throughout development.
    • Use version control: Use Git for tracking changes and maintaining a clean workspace structure.
    • Provide visual context: Give screenshots to Build Agent to troubleshoot UI issues and request changes.
    • Extend with third-party libraries: Integrate third-party Node Package Manager (NPM) libraries, such as React JS, for enhanced interfaces.
    • Maintain documentation: Keep clear rules and documentation in project folders; use Build Agent to create knowledge base articles.
    • Iterate and experiment: Prototype freely, then ask Build Agent for an ideal prompt to recreate the result once your vision is complete.