--- sourceDocument: Yokohama Build or modify applications sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/yokohama/application-development Release : - yokohama ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Yokohama Build or modify applications ft:clusterId : - cadev bundleId : - cadev workflow : - Development, Data, and Analytics --- # Developing your application # Developing your application {#ariaid-title1} * Release version: Yokohama * * Updated January 30, 2025 * * ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 4 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Developing your application This guide explains how ServiceNow customers can build custom applications tailored to their organization's business needs using various development tools and AI capabilities. It covers no-code, low-code, and pro-code options, providing flexibility for users with different technical skills. The integration of generative and agentic AI enhances efficiency and business outcomes throughout the app development lifecycle. Show full answer Show less ## Builder Options for Application Development * **Creator Studio:** Enables building simple, no-code request-fulfillment applications quickly, ideal for users without programming experience. * **App Engine Studio:** Supports low-code development for a broader range of applications, empowering more creators to innovate with less complexity. * **ServiceNow Studio:** A modern, unified environment designed for developers seeking more control, integrating low-code tools, streamlined navigation, and AI-assisted features. * **Pro-code Development:** Use the ServiceNow IDE and SDK with industry-standard tools like Visual Studio Code to write application metadata and scripts in source code, supporting advanced customization and integration. ## AI Capabilities in Custom Applications * **Now Assist:** Conversational AI within ServiceNow Studio that helps generate and refine applications through interactive dialogue. * **App Summarization:** Quickly review application contents in ServiceNow Studio for fast understanding and validation. * **ServiceNow Otto for App Engine:** Integrate AI agents and skills to enrich App Engine applications with automation and intelligent features. * **AI-powered Code Generation:** Generate scripts from text or code snippets to accelerate development tasks. ## Key Benefits and Outcomes * **Accelerate Development:** Quickly create applications that meet organizational needs, from simple workflows to complex processes, using the right builder for your skill level. * **Empower Diverse Creators:** Enable business users, IT personnel, and professional developers to collaborate effectively with appropriate tools and governance. * **Enhance User Experience:** Build mobile-first, intuitive, and modern applications that engage end users. * **Streamline Automation and Integration:** Leverage native integrations and AI to automate processes consistently across the enterprise. * **Improve Productivity:** Use a centralized development environment with integrated source control, debugging, and metadata management for efficient app lifecycle management. ## Additional Tools * **Builder Library:** Access specialized tools such as UI Builder for custom pages and web experiences, Workflow Studio for process automation, and Workspace Builder for tailored workspaces. * **Source Control and Collaboration:** Manage application source code with Git integration, enabling team collaboration with role-based access to resources. Build a custom application to meet the business needs of your organization. Choose a builder for the type of user experience or workflow that you want to create. |-|-|-| | [Use AI capabilities in custom applications Enhance your custom app development and user experiences with generative and agentic AI capabilities to help drive efficiency and business outcomes.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/uT5XseWoRUS_6KD69I2RiQ "Expedite development and enhance custom applications using the generative and agentic AI capabilities available on the ServiceNow AI Platform.") | [Build no-code applications with Creator Studio Create and manage custom applications in a simple, no-code environment.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/at9_JwyWV36kssNsniVdGA "Create and manage custom applications in a simple, no-code environment.") | [Build low-code applications with App Engine Accelerate innovation with more creators and less complexity. Empower developers of all skill levels to build applications at scale.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/X3AxOafOhpa9dxz9A3K6SA "Create and manage custom applications in a simple, low-code environment.") | | [Build applications with ServiceNow Studio Empower developers with a modern, unified environment for building on the ServiceNow AI Platform using integrated builders and tools.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/iUE6GlRkuvpmGBBCbQcw8w "ServiceNow Studio provides a unified experience for all ServiceNow development activities, enabling admins and developers to extend base system solutions and create custom apps with ease. Use ServiceNow Studio to build apps and app files with integrated tools, access and edit app metadata in scoped and global apps, and package app changes for deployment, all in one powerful development tool.") | [Build pro-code applications Extend or maintain existing applications and user experiences. Connect applications and data across the enterprise.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/vZ30k2X04ysAjJQngWfMaA "Create and manage custom applications from scratch using classic pro-code tools.") | [Builder library Choose a builder tool to quickly develop an application.](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/9U8hh3R3BaKJcDBGi6L3Rg "The ServiceNow AI Platform provides a robust set of builder tools that enable you to quickly develop applications for your organization.") | [ ] {#developing-applications__table_y5t_rg5_gbc} ## Which builder should I use to create an app? {#developing-applications__id_rnl_5nv_gbc} Figure 1. Types of builders **Want to build an app easily, without code?**{#developing-applications__p_ils_j1k_ccc} Creator Studio specializes in helping you craft request-fulfillment applications without writing code. For example, an application to request office supplies by filling out a form, and someone approves or denies your request. For more information, see [Exploring Creator Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/IMuYcdW7PUUcwuGaWZVlUQ "Creator Studio makes creating apps easier by dividing their creation into simple steps. In this section, we'll explain each one.").{#developing-applications__p_glw_j1k_ccc} **Need a more general app but still want low-code options?**{#developing-applications__p_kyz_j1k_ccc} App Engine Studio lets you build a broader range of apps than Creator Studio without being a programming pro. For more information, see [Exploring App Engine Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/JCQCgInMpPCguU_mgM5ZAQ "Learn how you can use the low-code app development tool, App Engine Studio (AES), to build powerful applications using guided setup, predefined templates, and workflows.").{#developing-applications__p_rtc_k1k_ccc} **Are you a developer who wants more control in a centralized user interface?**{#developing-applications__p_jhv_k1k_ccc} Build apps smarter and deliver them faster with the new ServiceNow Studio. ServiceNow Studio empowers platform developers with a modern, unified environment for building on the ServiceNow AI Platform. ServiceNow Studio features streamlined navigation to applications and metadata, integrated low-code tools, efficient tracking and packaging of development work that accelerates development processes and enhances productivity. For more information, see [Exploring ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/TUIsjdH~hIF4rSF7iRRuLA "ServiceNow Studio delivers a cohesive, efficient experience for platform developers to create, modify, and extend apps. ServiceNow Studio is a single place that you can go to do development work, delivering value to your business faster.").{#developing-applications__p_xpy_k1k_ccc} **Are you a developer who wants to use industry-standard development tools and processes?**{#developing-applications__p_gmb_l1k_ccc} The ServiceNow IDE and ServiceNow SDK support developing applications in source code with ServiceNow Fluent, creating JavaScript modules, and using third-party libraries. ServiceNow Fluent is a domain-specific programming language for creating application metadata in code.{#developing-applications__p_jjf_l1k_ccc} The ServiceNow IDE is an implementation of Visual Studio Code for the Web on the ServiceNow AI Platform. The ServiceNow SDK uses Visual Studio Code Desktop locally. For more information, see [Building applications in source code](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/NZvoSqmUdToPQ43Dq2OslQ "Create and develop custom applications in source code using familiar development tools and processes.").{#developing-applications__p_ryj_l1k_ccc} ## Use AI capabilities in custom applications {#developing-applications__section_aw1_sm2_wfc} [Generate apps with Now Assist for app generation within ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/U0pyhkLkE5zqJgIH~HuEUQ "Have a conversation with the Now Assist for app generation to start building applications.") : Create an application in ServiceNow Studio by having a conversation with Now Assist. Describe the app that you want to create and continue the conversation to refine and edit the app further. [Summarize the contents of an app in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/XwA_jp3_lxi8IACS6Gi8Fg "Generate a summary of your app using ServiceNow Otto for Creator in ServiceNow Studio. After reviewing the summary, you can use it as a description for your app.") : Use app summarization to quickly review the contents of an application in ServiceNow Studio. [Leverage AI agents and skills in custom applications with ServiceNow Otto for App Engine](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZenC6Uiqr19naEXjpMY2Mw "Use the skills within Now Assist for App Engine to add custom AI features to your custom applications.") : Enhance App Engine applications with AI agents and skills using ServiceNow Otto for App Engine. [Generate scripts with AI-powered code generation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=generate-code&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-api-reference&ft:locale=en-US) : Generate scripts from text, code, or a combination of both with AI-powered code generation. ## Build no-code applications with Creator Studio {#developing-applications__section_mhd_vg5_gbc} [Create applications without coding](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Oa9Yiy4iIYJEP_WMR~qYew "If you've ever wanted to create an application but you don't know how to code, then Creator Studio was designed for you!") : Build request-fulfill applications in a simple environment, without using code, in Creator Studio. ## Build low-code applications with App Engine {#developing-applications__section_j5v_5y5_j5b} Build low-code apps quickly, with more creators and less complexity. Safely scale cross-enterprise experiences that users want. [Empower creators](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/UrgixCxOo7eoHTFBoVrsRA "Build an application in App Engine Studio (AES) that uses predefined data, experience, logic and automation, and security. Add to the template contents to customize the app for your organization.") : Bring creator workflow apps to production quickly for mission-critical tasks. Design with guidance and templates that are all within a holistic low-code dev experience​. [Scale low-code development](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/4MLM4wq7UqldtkdOE6I4Yw "As an admin, view and approve or reject collaboration requests in the App Engine Management Center (AEMC) from developers who want assistance building their applications.") : Empower business and IT to collaborate, manage, and govern low-code app development.​  Set development guardrails, apply standards, and check for compliance, all in one place. [Accelerate process automation](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=rpa-main-landing-page&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-integrate-applications&ft:locale=en-US) : Automate processes fast and show value quickly with native integration and low code. Scale your workflows from simple to complex, with consistency across the enterprise.​ [Engage your users](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=mab-concept&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-mobile&ft:locale=en-US) : Captivate users with a modern unified experience that's easy to understand. Build mobile-first experiences using an intuitive, low-code designer. ## Build applications with the new ServiceNow Studio {#developing-applications__section_tpg_sdd_ddc} [Open apps and app files across scopes in ServiceNow Studio](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/chB4AwcuQMj1bgo~ltx9nw "In ServiceNow Studio, you can open and edit apps and app files in any scope, global or custom. The scope that an app is associated with displays at the bottom of the screen and updates automatically when you switch to an app in a different scope.") : Switch between apps and app files in different scopes without leaving ServiceNow Studio. [Supercharge app development with Now Assist](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Gqwk_nBfVcox38f~pzHwsA "Use ServiceNow Otto for Creator to work with generative AI and simplify app creation. After having a conversation about the app that you want to create, ServiceNow Otto for Creator generates the app that you can then modify.") : Create apps and app files quickly using the generative AI capabilities available with ServiceNow Otto for Creator in ServiceNow Studio. [Access organized app metadata using the ServiceNow Studio file navigator taxonomy](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ONBqQp2CDUG~rUtciXU~Kw "Learn more about each metadata file type and its corresponding primary table in the File categories tab of the ServiceNow Studio Navigator panel.") : Locate the files that you're searching for with ease using the ServiceNow Studio metadata taxonomy. ## Build pro-code applications {#developing-applications__section_i3s_hvv_j5b} Build and deploy apps with fine-grained control. Debug code, manage source control, and publish your apps from a central hub. [Build your apps faster](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/vZ30k2X04ysAjJQngWfMaA "Create and manage custom applications from scratch using classic pro-code tools.") : Get all your work done in one place, accelerating the process from coding to deployment. [Develop applications in source code](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/NZvoSqmUdToPQ43Dq2OslQ "Create and develop custom applications in source code using familiar development tools and processes.") : Write code that defines application metadata in an integrated development environment. Manage your source : Commit, branch, and merge to your Git repository with integrated source control. [Work as a team](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/gUljFrp51idsMqS~XKJqnQ "Team Development supports parallel development on multiple, non-production ServiceNow instances.") : Provide individual developer access to specific application resources for better collaboration. ## Builder library {#developing-applications__section_wgz_f1w_j5b} Each builder fulfills a specific need or produces a specific type of data, such as UI Builder, Workflow Studio, and Workspace Builder. For a complete list of builders, see [Builder Library](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/9U8hh3R3BaKJcDBGi6L3Rg "The ServiceNow AI Platform provides a robust set of builder tools that enable you to quickly develop applications for your organization."). [Build pages and custom web experiences with UI Builder](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZYDneu8Ka~yQVRKSVpU3Vw "UI Builder is a web user interface builder. Use UI Builder to build pages for App Engine Studio generated workspaces or custom web experiences using Next Experience Components and custom web components.") : Use UI Builder to build pages for App Engine Studio or ServiceNow Studio generated workspaces or custom web experiences using Next Experience Components and custom web components. [Streamline logic and automation with Workflow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=exploring-workflow-studio&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-build-workflows&ft:locale=en-US) : Work with playbooks, flows, subflows, actions, data streams, and decision tables from a single consolidated interface.