sys_id IN vs sys_id NOT IN ServiceNow: What’s the Difference?
Table of Contents
When working with ServiceNow, understanding how to filter and query records efficiently is crucial. Two commonly used operators in ServiceNow queries are sys_id IN and sys_id NOT IN. Although they seem similar, they perform opposite functions. In this article, we’ll dive deep into sys_id IN vs sys_id NOT IN in ServiceNow, explaining how they work, where to use them, and best practices to optimize your queries.
What is sys_id in ServiceNow?
In ServiceNow, every record in a table has a unique identifier called the sys_id. This 32-character globally unique ID ensures each record is distinct and easy to reference in scripts, filters, and API calls.
Example:
- A user record might have a
sys_idlike46d44a0fdbb7c304a86f5c3dca961958.
Because sys_id is unique, it’s often used to target specific records directly.
Understanding sys_id IN
The sys_id IN operator is used when you want to retrieve multiple specific records whose sys_id matches any in a list.
Syntax Example:
sys_id IN 46d44a0fdbb7c304a86f5c3dca961958, d1bb52b0dbb7c304a86f5c3dca961957
This query returns records whose sys_id matches either of the values listed.
Use Cases:
- Fetching a known group of records.
- Limiting results to a hand-picked selection.
- Optimizing GlideRecord queries for a batch of known records.
Example in a GlideRecord Script:
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('sys_id', 'IN', '46d44a0fdbb7c304a86f5c3dca961958,d1bb52b0dbb7c304a86f5c3dca961957');
gr.query();
while (gr.next()) {
gs.info(gr.number);
}
Understanding sys_id NOT IN
The sys_id NOT IN operator is the opposite. It excludes the records whose sys_id is listed.
Syntax Example:
sys_id NOT IN 46d44a0fdbb7c304a86f5c3dca961958, d1bb52b0dbb7c304a86f5c3dca961957
This query returns all records except those whose sys_id matches any of the given values.
Use Cases:
- Excluding specific records from results.
- Cleaning up datasets by omitting unwanted entries.
- Running updates on records not in a specific list.
Example in a GlideRecord Script:
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('sys_id', 'NOT IN', '46d44a0fdbb7c304a86f5c3dca961958,d1bb52b0dbb7c304a86f5c3dca961957');
gr.query();
while (gr.next()) {
gs.info(gr.number);
}
Key Differences Between sys_id IN and sys_id NOT IN
| Feature | sys_id IN | sys_id NOT IN |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | Matching records | Records that don’t match |
| Main purpose | Include specific records | Exclude specific records |
| Common usage | Select a known list | Filter out unwanted records |
| Efficiency Tip | List only needed sys_ids | Use to exclude noise |
Pro Tip:
Always make sure the list of sys_ids is comma-separated and no spaces in between. It ensures faster and more reliable queries.
Final Thoughts
Mastering sys_id IN vs sys_id NOT IN in ServiceNow is essential for developers, admins, and architects. Whether you are creating GlideRecord scripts, designing complex filters, or optimizing performance, knowing when to include or exclude specific records can save time and prevent errors.
Always test your queries carefully, especially when dealing with production data!
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