ServiceNow Debugging EssentialsSummary<!-- /*NS Branding Styles*/ --> .ns-kb-css-body-editor-container { p { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } span { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } h2 { font-size: 24pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h3 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h4 { font-size: 14pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } a { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #00718F; } a:hover { font-size: 12pt; color: #024F69; } a:target { font-size: 12pt; color: #032D42; } a:visited { font-size: 12pt; color: #00718f; } ul { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } li { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } img { display: ; max-width: ; width: ; height: ; } } Overview Debugging is a critical skill for ServiceNow developers to ensure scripts run as expected and system performance remains optimal. ServiceNow provides built-in tools and techniques for both client-side and server-side debugging, complemented by browser developer tools. 1. Server-Side Debugging Tools and Techniques Script Debugger Navigate to System Diagnostics > Script Debugger.Set breakpoints in Business Rules or Script Includes.Execute the script and inspect variables, call stack, and transaction details.Use flow control buttons to step through code line-by-line. Logging Use gs.log(), gs.info(), gs.warn(), and gs.error() for detailed logs.Example: gs.info('Executing Script Include: MyCustomScript'); gs.error('Error occurred: ' + errorMessage); Session Debug Go to System Diagnostics > Session Debug.Record a user session and review logs for errors and unexpected behaviors. Debug SQL Enable via System Diagnostics > Debug > Debug SQL to analyze GlideRecord queries and performance bottlenecks. Best Practices Always reproduce the issue before debugging.Use descriptive log messages for clarity.Avoid modifying base instance scripts unless necessary (as this impacts upgrades).Keep rollback options enabled when testing scripts. 2. Client-Side Debugging Tools and Techniques Browser Developer Tools Open Chrome DevTools: CTRL + SHIFT + I or right-click > Inspect.Use the Console tab for jslog() messages instead of intrusive alert() pop-ups.Example: jslog('Debug message'); JavaScript Executor Shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + J to run client-side scripts directly. Field Watcher & Response Time Indicator Monitor field changes and performance metrics. Network Tab Inspect AJAX calls and analyze execution details for asynchronous requests. Best Practices Use debugger; statements in client scripts to simulate breakpoints.Avoid excessive alert() usage as it disrupts user experience.Validate data before submission to prevent runtime errors.Modularize scripts for easier troubleshooting. 3. Advanced Debugging Options Session Debug Tools Enable session-specific debugging without impacting other users.Useful for diagnosing UI issues and slow form loads. Next Experience Developer Tools Chrome extension for debugging modern UI components and profiling page performance. Third-Party Tools Tools like Xplore provide enhanced debugging and script execution capabilities. Release<!-- /*NS Branding Styles*/ --> .ns-kb-css-body-editor-container { p { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } span { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } h2 { font-size: 24pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h3 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h4 { font-size: 14pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } a { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #00718F; } a:hover { font-size: 12pt; color: #024F69; } a:target { font-size: 12pt; color: #032D42; } a:visited { font-size: 12pt; color: #00718f; } ul { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } li { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } img { display: ; max-width: ; width: ; height: ; } } ALL Related Links<!-- /*NS Branding Styles*/ --> .ns-kb-css-body-editor-container { p { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } span { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #000000; } h2 { font-size: 24pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h3 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } h4 { font-size: 14pt; font-family: Lato; color: black; } a { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; color: #00718F; } a:hover { font-size: 12pt; color: #024F69; } a:target { font-size: 12pt; color: #032D42; } a:visited { font-size: 12pt; color: #00718f; } ul { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } li { font-size: 12pt; font-family: Lato; } img { display: ; max-width: ; width: ; height: ; } } Debugging in ServiceNow: Tools and Techniques [linkedin.com]How to Debug Client Side Script Efficiently [servicenow.com]How to Debug Server Side Code on ServiceNow [servicenow.com]