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1. Difference between UI Pages and Widgets in ServiceNow In the world of ServiceNow development and customization, two commonly used components for creating user interfaces are UI Pages and Widgets. Both tools enable developers and administrators to create custom experiences for users, but they differ significantly in terms of use cases, technology, and flexibility. This article explores the key differences between UI Pages and Widgets in ServiceNow, their strengths, and guidance on when to use one over the other. ServiceNow Online Course Overview of UI Pages UI Pages are custom pages built within the ServiceNow platform using a combination of Jelly scripting (an XML-based scripting language), HTML, and server-side scripting. They have been around since the early days of ServiceNow and are considered a traditional way of creating custom interfaces. UI Pages are mostly used in the classic ServiceNow interface and are primarily server- rendered. They are especially useful for building form-based pages, modal pop-ups, and simple interactive screens that integrate tightly with backend scripts. Key Characteristics of UI Pages 1.Jelly Scripting UI Pages are built using Jelly, a scripting language specific to the ServiceNow platform. Jelly works similarly to XML and allows the insertion of server-side code, such as Glide scripting. This makes it possible to include dynamic elements, display business data, and interact with ServiceNow's backend services. 2.Server-side Rendering UI Pages are rendered on the server and then sent to the client’s browser. This means

2. that most of the logic happens before the page reaches the user, which can be beneficial in environments where client-side performance is a concern. 3.Legacy Use Cases UI Pages have traditionally been used in ServiceNow for many tasks, such as rendering custom forms, dashboards, modal dialogs, or performing actions that the standard UI does not support. Many out-of-the-box ServiceNow features still rely on UI Pages for specific functions. 4.Limited Interactivity While UI Pages can support some level of interactivity using JavaScript, they are not designed for highly dynamic, single-page application experiences. Complex user interactions typically require heavy custom scripting, which can make the UI Page harder to maintain. 5.Security Considerations Since UI Pages run server-side scripts, developers must carefully handle user permissions and roles to avoid exposing sensitive data. Access is usually controlled using ACLs (Access Control Lists) or custom scripting within the page. Overview of Widgets Widgets, on the other hand, are components used in the Service Portal—a modern, responsive, and user-friendly front-end framework built into ServiceNow. Widgets provide a modular way to create rich, interactive user interfaces using client-side technologies like AngularJS, HTML, CSS, and REST APIs. ServiceNow Training Widgets are the building blocks of ServiceNow's Service Portal and are much more suitable for creating modern web experiences. Key Characteristics of Widgets 1.Modular Design Each Widget in ServiceNow is a self-contained component that can be reused across different pages within the Service Portal. Widgets can be dragged and dropped into pages using the Page Designer, which allows for faster and more consistent development. 2.Client-side Rendering Unlike UI Pages, Widgets are rendered on the client side. They rely heavily on JavaScript and AngularJS, which enables real-time updates, dynamic content, and improved performance for interactive applications. 3.Customization and Extensibility Widgets come with separate sections for HTML, client controller, server script, CSS, and link functions. This separation of concerns makes it easier to manage complex logic, style customizations, and server-client interactions. Developers can also clone out-of-the-box Widgets and modify them to meet specific requirements. 4.API Integration Widgets can easily consume REST APIs and display dynamic data fetched in real time. This is particularly useful when integrating with third-party systems or presenting dashboards that require live data. ServiceNow Online Training 5.Mobile-friendly The Service Portal and its Widgets are responsive by default. This means they work

3. well on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, which is a key requirement for modern enterprise applications. 6.Security Model Widgets use Service Portal’s built-in permissions model, which can be further enhanced with ACLs and role-based restrictions. This allows granular control over who can see or interact with each component. UI Page vs. Widget: Feature Comparison Feature Rendering Type Primary Technology Interface Interactivity Development Complexity UI Page Server-side Widget (Service Portal) Client-side Jelly, HTML, Glide scripting AngularJS, JavaScript, HTML, CSS Classic UI Limited, script-heavy High, supports dynamic content Service Portal (Modern UI) Higher due to Jelly syntax Lower with modular architecture Not modular, typically page- specific Limited Depends on the server processing Limited and less dynamic Harder to maintain, especially at scale Highly reusable and component- driven Responsive design by default Faster UI due to client-side rendering Strong support for RESTful APIs Easier to scale and maintain using components Reusability Mobile Responsiveness Performance Integration with APIs Maintenance and Scalability When to Use a UI Page Despite being somewhat dated, there are still scenarios where a UI Page might be the right choice:  You are working within the classic UI (not the Service Portal).  You need to create a modal pop-up or use GlideDialogWindow.  The requirement is primarily server-side, and there's little need for interactivity.  You are customizing legacy modules that were originally built using UI Pages.  Performance depends more on server-side logic than client-side experience. When to Use a Widget Widgets are the preferred approach for modern ServiceNow development, especially in Service Portal implementations. Use a Widget when: ServiceNow Course Online  You need a responsive, mobile-friendly UI.  The application involves dynamic, real-time content updates.  You want to reuse components across multiple pages.  Integration with external systems or APIs is required.  You are creating custom dashboards, forms, or interactive UI elements.

4.  You want to follow ServiceNow’s current best practices for front-end development. Conclusion Both UI Pages and Widgets serve important roles in the ServiceNow platform, but they are fundamentally different in how they are built, rendered, and used. UI Pages are better suited for traditional, server-side use cases within the classic UI, especially when backward compatibility or simple dialog-like interfaces are needed. On the other hand, Widgets are part of the modern Service Portal architecture, offering powerful, flexible, and scalable ways to build engaging user interfaces. As ServiceNow continues to evolve, the emphasis is shifting more toward Widgets and the Service Portal framework. Therefore, for most new developments and user-facing interfaces, Widgets are the recommended approach. Understanding the strengths and limitations of both tools will help ServiceNow developers and administrators make informed decisions and deliver better user experiences across the platform. Trending Courses: Docker and Kubernetes, SAP Ariba, Site Reliability Engineering Visualpath is the Best Software Online Training Institute in Hyderabad. Avail is complete worldwide. You will get the best course at an affordable cost. For More Information about ServiceNow Online Training Contact Call/WhatsApp: +91-7032290546 Visit: https://www.visualpath.in/servicenow-online-training.html