Server-side scripting in ServiceNow might seem easier than client-side scripting, because you don't have to worry about AJAX, asynchronysity, or large performance impacts for seemingly optimized queries. However, due to the expanded and adjusted functionality of server-side JavaScript, there are a few additional pitfalls to be mindful of.

Scripts that run on the server provide a great deal of power and control to the developer that's equipped to use them properly; however, they can also put great strain on the server if used improperly. Infinite loops and a great deal of in server-side scripts can be far more difficult to resolve than client-side issues. It's best to always be mindful of this fact when writing server-side scripts, and test your code thoroughly.

One way to test your server-side code is by using background scripts. This provides a script window that allows you to execute server-side scripts, similar to the client-side JavaScript executor. If...