UI Actions in ServiceNow are powerful configuration elements that allow administrators and developers to add interactive buttons, links, and context menu items to forms and lists throughout the platform. These actions enable users to perform specific operations with a single click, streamlining wor…UI Actions in ServiceNow are powerful configuration elements that allow administrators and developers to add interactive buttons, links, and context menu items to forms and lists throughout the platform. These actions enable users to perform specific operations with a single click, streamlining workflows and enhancing user productivity.
UI Actions consist of two primary components: the action definition and the associated script. The action definition determines where and how the action appears, including its name, visibility conditions, and placement. The script contains the server-side or client-side code that executes when the action is triggered.
There are several types of UI Actions based on their location and behavior. Form buttons appear at the top or bottom of record forms, allowing users to perform actions on individual records. Form links display as hyperlinks within forms. Form context menu items appear when users right-click on a form. List buttons and links provide similar functionality for list views, enabling bulk operations on multiple records.
Key properties of UI Actions include the Name field, which identifies the action, and the Table field, which specifies where the action applies. The Action name property defines the unique identifier used in scripts. The Condition field allows administrators to control when the action appears using JavaScript expressions or simple field conditions.
UI Actions can execute client-side scripts, server-side scripts, or both. Client-side scripts run in the users browser and are useful for validations and confirmations before submission. Server-side scripts execute on the ServiceNow server and handle database operations and complex business logic.
Security is managed through roles and conditions. Administrators can restrict UI Actions to specific user roles, ensuring only authorized personnel can perform certain operations. The Active checkbox allows quick enabling or disabling of actions during development or troubleshooting.
Common use cases include creating custom approval buttons, implementing record cloning functionality, and adding navigation shortcuts to related records.
UI Actions in ServiceNow: Complete Guide for CSA Exam
What are UI Actions?
UI Actions are configurable elements in ServiceNow that add buttons, links, and context menu items to forms and lists. They allow administrators and developers to execute client-side scripts, server-side scripts, or navigate to different URLs when users interact with them.
Why are UI Actions Important?
UI Actions are critical because they: • Extend the functionality of forms and lists beyond default behavior • Automate repetitive tasks for end users • Enforce business processes by guiding users through specific workflows • Improve user experience by providing quick access to common operations • Allow customization of the platform to meet organizational needs
How UI Actions Work
UI Actions function through several key components:
1. Action Type: • Form buttons - Appear as buttons on form headers • Form context menu - Appear when right-clicking on a form • Form links - Appear as links in the form header or related links section • List buttons - Appear above lists • List context menu - Appear when right-clicking on list rows • List choices - Appear in the Actions dropdown on lists
2. Script Types: • Client Script - Runs in the user's browser • Server Script - Runs on the ServiceNow server using GlideRecord
3. Conditions: • UI Actions can be conditionally displayed based on record values or user roles using the Condition field
4. Key Fields: • Name - Display name of the action • Table - The table where the action appears • Action name - Unique identifier used in scripts • Active - Determines if the action is enabled • Show insert/update - Controls visibility on new vs existing records
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on UI Actions
Key Concepts to Remember:
1. Understand the difference between client and server scripts - Know that client scripts use current object while server scripts use current GlideRecord
2. Know the checkbox options: • Form button, Form context menu, Form link • List button, List context menu, List choice • List banner button (appears at top of lists)
3. Remember action.setRedirectURL() - This method controls where users navigate after the action completes
4. Condition field uses JavaScript - Returns true or false to determine visibility
5. Order field - Controls the sequence in which buttons appear (lower numbers appear first)
Common Exam Scenarios:
• Questions about where UI Actions are configured (System Definition > UI Actions) • Understanding which checkbox makes an action appear as a button vs a link • Knowing that the 'current' object represents the record being acted upon • Recognizing that roles can restrict access to specific UI Actions
Pro Tips for the Exam:
• If a question asks about adding a button to a form, think UI Actions • UI Actions are table-specific - they apply to records in a particular table • The 'Form button' checkbox must be selected for an action to appear as a button on forms • Client-side confirmation dialogs are handled in the Client script section • For exam questions about customizing list headers or form buttons, UI Actions is typically the correct answer