Unlocking the Potential of g_form.getDisplayBox()
In the world of ServiceNow development, accessing display values of reference fields is a common requirement.
This is where g_form.getDisplayBox() comes into play. It’s an effective method for retrieving the display values directly from a form in the core UI. This approach is particularly useful when you need to compare or process these values within client scripts.
It’s an essential tool, especially considering that Service Portal forms require the use of getDisplayValue() instead. Knowing when and how to use g_form.getDisplayBox() can greatly enhance your scripting capabilities in ServiceNow.
Practical Example: Using g_form.getDisplayBox()
Let’s delve into a practical example to illustrate the usage of g_form.getDisplayBox(). Suppose we want to check if the ‘caller’ and ‘assigned to’ fields in a form refer to the same individual. The code snippet below demonstrates this:
var callerDisplayValue = g_form.getDisplayBox('caller_id').value;
var assigneeDisplayValue = g_form.getDisplayBox('assigned_to').value;
if (callerDisplayValue === assigneeDisplayValue) {
alert('Attention: Caller and Assignee are the same individual!');
}
In this script, we retrieve the display values of the ‘caller_id’ and ‘assigned_to’ fields and then compare them. If they match, an alert is triggered, indicating that the same person is both the caller and the assignee.
Best Practices and Common Missteps
While g_form.getDisplayBox() is a powerful tool, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid performance issues. One common mistake is overusing this method in situations where a simple value comparison would suffice. Always evaluate whether you need the display value or if the underlying data value (obtained via getValue()) is adequate for your script’s purpose.
Additionally, remember that this method is specific to the core UI in ServiceNow. For Service Portal applications, switch to using getDisplayValue() to achieve similar functionality. This distinction is crucial for maintaining script compatibility across different ServiceNow interfaces.
