Comments on: JavaScript is not Java

By: Geoffrey Bishop

Geoffrey Bishop — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:08:44 +0000

Great article. Thanks.
In my opinion, working with JavaScript is actually much HARDER than working with Java. 1) Often the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) you are in is less powerful; that means that the syntax-highlighting is weaker, and you have less features for navigating code, formatting code, a smaller window to work in, etc. 2) Also, JavaScript is not Type Safe, so it lets you shoot yourself in the foot more often. I think it lacks other features as well, such as blocked scoping. Also, often it’s unclear what APIs or Objects are available to you, to access. Additionally, when you are working with JavaScript, you are often working BOTH in a client environment and a server environment, and you have all the additional complexity that comes with network round-trips, web browsers and HTML. Working on a Windows App, or server-side only app, is MUCH easier. So for anyone who may be thinking Java = Hard + JavaScript = Easy. Wrong!

By: Mark Stanger

Mark Stanger — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:28:07 +0000

In reply to Daryll Conway. Wow, this is really nice. Thanks for sharing!

By: Daryll Conway

Daryll Conway — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:11:28 +0000

In reply to Mark Stanger.

The Microsoft virtual academy is very helpful for learning at all levels.
This is a link to a JavaScript for beginners (free) course
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/javascript-fundamentals-for-absolute-beginners

By: Mark Stanger

Mark Stanger — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:44:57 +0000

In reply to inderjit singh.

You can do a lot in ServiceNow without knowing scripting, but to be really effective you need to have some coding (Javascript, HTML, CSS, Web Services) experience. The good news is that there is a ton of information if you’re willing to learn. I recommend this SNGuru article (along with the ServiceNow wiki and community sites) as a good place to start.

https://servicenowguru.com/showcase/service-now-jedi/

By: inderjit singh

inderjit singh — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:41:27 +0000

Hi,

I dont have any knowledge of programming language or Java script. Can I be a SNOW (Service Now) admin? Please help.

By: sai

sai — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:49:59 +0000

That’s a relief, thanks a lot! :)

By: Mark Stanger

Mark Stanger — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:56:54 +0000

In reply to sai. I haven't written a single line of Java in 5 years of working with ServiceNow. It's helpful to understand from a coding standpoint, but is definitely not a requirement. JavaScript, on the other hand, is a critical skill of a good ServiceNow admin.

By: sai

sai — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:49:56 +0000

Hi Mark,

There was an opening for ServiceNow developer offered to us by our client, at first it was a System Administration then it became ServiceNow Developer which is requiring Java Programming. i was wondering because it runs contrary to your posting here, Are we going to perform actual Java Programming in our clients ServiceNow platform or just be limited with JavaScripting.

More Power!

By: valor

valor — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:58:48 +0000

I would note, however, once you get into super advanced stuff with Service-Now, it is helpful to at least have an undertstanding of the basics of Java, like how "classical" programming languages work, and what "classical" means. Tip: it's not music, or necessarily old. :-) You will see in references in various parts of the system like:

var ldap = new Packages.com.glide.sys.ldap.LDAPUserUpdate();

By: Mark Stanger

Mark Stanger — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:15:05 +0000

In reply to Roger Dingus. Hey Roger. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. My day job takes precedence so sometimes I'm not able to reply as quickly as I'd like. :). I think this is an excellent question though and I'm planning on writing a full article on this topic. Until then, I'd recommend this site as a great JavaScript resource. http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp