---
sourceDocument: Xanadu API Reference
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/xanadu/api-reference

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu API Reference

ft:clusterId :

    - crapiref

bundleId :

    - crapiref

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# API implementation

# API implementation {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

You can use JavaScript APIs to extend application server and client functionality. Use
web services to connect ServiceNow applications to other software
applications.

|-|-|
| [Scripts Extend application server and client functionality.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/suPGpIyRhHXvXe0XR~dlGg "Use scripts to extend your instance beyond standard configurations. With scripts, you may automate processes, add functionality, integrate your instance with an outside application and more.") | [Web services Communicate between ServiceNow and third-party applications.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/rZ~rva445~uZYPEQyBCJ7Q "HTTP-based web services allow diverse applications to talk to each other. ServiceNow supports both inbound (provider) and outbound (consumer) web services.") |
[ ]

{#api-implementation__table_iwv_lpv_klb}

## Scripts {#api-implementation__section_ynk_qy4_vvb}

Use Server JavaScript APIs in scripts to change application functionality or create
applications. Use client-side JavaScript APIs to control aspects of how an instance is displayed
and functions within the web browser.  
Common use cases:

* Calculate durations to give users a way to specify when a task or process is due.
* Display prompts with alerts, confirmations, or other messages.
* Implement event logging at different output levels, such as debug, info, warning, and error.
* Query, update, create, and delete records.
* Validate the input of all date and time fields.
{#api-implementation__ul_nrp_p32_bwb}

## Web services {#api-implementation__section_zz5_qy4_vvb}

Use inbound (provider) and outbound (consumer) web services enable diverse applications to
exchange information.  
Common use cases:

* Use REST API request information from ServiceNow instances in third-party applications.
* Create scripted REST APIs for custom requests that aren't available in the provided ServiceNow REST APIs.
* Create a custom GraphQL API to query record data from a component or a third-party system.
* Use the open database connectivity (ODBC) driver for read-only access to the database associated with your instance.
* Use domain separation to separate data, processes, and administrative tasks into logical groups.
{#api-implementation__ul_gdg_psw_cwb}