How to List Tables in ServiceNow: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the tables available in ServiceNow is critical for developers and administrators. It helps with database management, integration setup, troubleshooting, and application development. This guide explains how to dynamically list tables through both ServiceNow's UI and APIs, differentiating between standard, custom, and system tables.

How to Retrieve Tables in ServiceNow

1.Using ServiceNow UI

To find all tables:

• Navigate to System Definition > Tables or type sys_db_object.list into the filter navigator.

• The displayed table (sys_db_object) lists every table in your instance.

• Use filters to search by table name, label, or creator.

  
  

2.Using REST API (JSON)

ServiceNow supports retrieving table lists via REST API:

• Endpoint: GET https://<your-instance>.service-now.com/api/now/table/sys_db_object

• Authenticate using Basic Auth or OAuth.

• Use query parameters such as:

  • sysparm_fields=name,label

  • sysparm_query=nameSTARTSWITHu_ (for custom tables)

    
    

Example JSON response:

{
  "result": [
    {"name":"incident","label":"Incident"},
    {"name":"u_custom_table","label":"Custom Table"}
  ]
}

3.Using SOAP Web Services

SOAP can also retrieve the list:

• Access the WSDL at: https://<your-instance>.service-now.com/sys_db_object.do?WSDL

• Call the getRecords method via your SOAP client.

• Responses are XML-formatted and include table details.

  
  

Understanding Different Types of Tables

• Standard Tables: Built-in tables (e.g., Incident, Problem, Change).

• Custom Tables: Created by administrators, usually prefixed with u_.

• System Tables: Begin with sys_, used internally by ServiceNow (e.g., sys_user, sys_db_object).

  
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Permissions: Ensure the user has adequate roles (usually admin or special API roles).

• Filtering Results: Customize API queries to exclude unwanted tables (e.g., system tables or database views).

• Performance: Use pagination (sysparm_limit and sysparm_offset) to handle large data sets.

  
  

Conclusion

Effectively managing tables is critical for ServiceNow administration and integration. Utilize the methods provided above to streamline your workflow, ensure clarity between custom and standard tables, and optimize your management processes. For deeper insights, leverage ServiceNow’s built-in tools like Schema Maps and the Dictionary.