In ServiceNow, tracking modifications and managing changes within an instance is crucial for administrators and developers. One of the methods used for this purpose is an Update Set, a feature that allows changes to be captured and migrated between instances. However, when it comes to UI Pages—a core component for customizing the platform’s user interface—questions often arise about whether they are included in Update Sets.
This article explores the behavior of UI Pages in relation to Update Sets, clarifies when they are captured, and provides insights to address common challenges faced by ServiceNow users.
What Are UI Pages in ServiceNow?
UI Pages in ServiceNow are custom web-based pages that developers create to extend the platform’s user experience. These pages can be built to display information, collect input, or offer specialized functionality outside of standard forms and lists. Essentially, UI Pages serve as a tool to tailor the platform to meet unique organizational needs.
They often play a significant role in portals, custom administration interfaces, and integrations with third-party tools. Developers can use a combination of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Jelly (a Java-based scripting language) to build and style UI Pages.
Are UI Pages Captured in Update Sets?
The short answer is yes, UI Pages are indeed captured in Update Sets in ServiceNow. However, there are some important nuances to understand:
- UI Pages Defined as Records: UI Pages are treated as records within the database table “sys_ui_page.” Therefore, any changes to UI Pages are automatically captured when Update Sets are configured to include changes to records in this table.
- Manual Modifications: If a developer creates a new UI Page or updates an existing one, these activities are captured in the active Update Set. The system logs these adjustments as tracked changes.
- Exclusions: Certain scenarios, like client script code embedded within UI Pages, might require additional testing to ensure all changes are being properly captured. Issues generally arise from coding practices rather than ServiceNow’s behavior.
Thus, while ServiceNow reliably captures UI Pages in Update Sets, some caution should be exercised to ensure all components of functionality are included.
Challenges Developers May Face
Despite the straightforward nature of Update Sets, developers can encounter challenges when working with UI Pages:
- Dependencies: UI Pages sometimes depend on other components like client scripts, stylesheets, or business rules. Forgetting to include these related components in the Update Set may result in incomplete functionality on the target instance.
- Customization Conflicts: Conflicts can occur when different instances have existing customizations of the same UI Page. In such cases, merging changes requires careful analysis.
- Untracked Changes: Updates made outside the normal application interface, such as direct manipulation of records via scripts, may not always be captured in Update Sets automatically.
To avoid these problems, it’s essential for administrators to review their Update Sets before transferring them between environments.
Best Practices for UI Page Tracking
To ensure that UI Pages are effectively captured and migrated along with Update Sets, consider the following best practices:
- Utilize Scoped Applications: Group related customizations—including UI Pages—within Scoped Applications to maintain consistency and minimize deployment errors.
- Test Updates Before Transfer: Always test Update Sets in a sub-production instance before applying them to a production environment.
- Manually Verify Dependencies: Ensure that associated components such as stylesheets and server-side scripts are also part of the Update Set or handled separately.
- Keep Documentation Up to Date: Maintain clear documentation of all modifications to UI Pages and other platform changes to make debugging and troubleshooting easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are UI Pages always automatically captured in Update Sets?
- Yes, changes to UI Pages are typically captured as they are records in the “sys_ui_page” table. However, developers should review dependencies to ensure all related components are included.
- How can I find missing dependencies for a UI Page?
- ServiceNow provides tools like the Update Set Preview feature, which scans for dependencies and potential issues during Update Set deployment. Pair this with manual checks for better results.
- Why didn’t my UI Page update appear on the target instance?
- This issue might occur due to overlooked dependencies, incomplete Update Sets, or overridden configurations. Verify the Update Set contents and check for conflicts in the target environment.
- Are client scripts within UI Pages captured automatically?
- Yes, client scripts added within UI Pages are captured, but it’s important to validate their functionality post-migration to ensure no context-specific issues arise.
In conclusion, while UI Pages are generally captured in ServiceNow Update Sets, careful planning and validation are necessary to ensure a smooth transfer between instances. By following best practices and proactively addressing dependencies, administrators can effectively manage and deploy changes on the platform.
