What is a REST API in ServiceNow? How to Use Real Life (2025)
ServiceNow continues to be one of the most powerful enterprise platforms in IT Service Management (ITSM) and digital workflows. As organizations move into 2025 with accelerated adoption of automation, integration, and AI-driven workflows. ServiceNow, a cloud-based platform designed for managing IT services, makes this possible with the help of REST APIs (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interfaces). REST APIs allow different software applications to communicate with each other, ensuring smooth data exchanges across platforms. In this article, we will dive deep into what a REST API in ServiceNow is, how it works, and how you can use it in real-life scenarios to enhance your workflow.
Understanding REST API in ServiceNow
What Is an API?
Before we dive into the specifics of REST APIs in ServiceNow, let’s start with the basics. An API is a set of rules that allows one piece of software to interact with another. It defines the methods and data formats that applications use to communicate with each other. For example, a web application may use an API to send requests to a server, asking for data, and receive responses in a structured format like JSON or XML.
What is REST API?
REST is an architectural style for building APIs. It stands for Representational State Transfer and is widely used because it is lightweight, simple, and easy to integrate with various platforms. REST APIs enable applications to perform standard operations such as Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) on resources like data records.
Why ServiceNow Uses REST APIs?
ServiceNow uses REST APIs to allow external applications and systems to interact with its platform. This enables businesses to integrate ServiceNow with other systems and applications seamlessly, which is crucial for modern digital enterprises. Whether it’s pulling incident data from ServiceNow or pushing new records into the platform, REST APIs simplify these interactions.
Key Benefits of Using REST API in ServiceNow
1. Simplified Integration
REST APIs allow ServiceNow to connect with a wide range of systems and applications, both within and outside the organization. This is ideal for businesses that need to integrate various platforms without complex setups.
2. Scalability
ServiceNow’s REST API can scale to meet the demands of growing enterprises. Whether you're working with small or massive amounts of data, REST APIs in ServiceNow can handle the load efficiently.
3. Real-Time Data Access
With REST APIs, data can be fetched in real-time from ServiceNow, enabling businesses to make faster and more informed decisions.
4. Easy Implementation
Compared to other APIs, REST is easy to implement because it uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and works with simple data formats such as JSON. ServiceNow provides built-in tools to help developers use REST APIs effortlessly.
How to Use REST API in ServiceNow (Real Life Examples)
In real-world scenarios, REST APIs can be used to automate tasks, integrate with third-party tools, and improve workflows. Let’s take a look at a few practical examples of how you can use REST APIs in ServiceNow.
1. Integrating ServiceNow with External Applications
Imagine you need to integrate ServiceNow with an external system like a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool. Using ServiceNow’s REST API, you can create a connection between the two platforms to synchronize data, such as customer incidents or requests. For example, when a support ticket is raised in ServiceNow, it can be automatically sent to your CRM to alert the sales or support team.
How to Do This:
• First, create a custom API endpoint in ServiceNow.
• Use the REST API to send data to the external system using HTTP requests like POST or PUT.
• The external system will process the data and send back a response, which ServiceNow can handle using an HTTP response code (e.g., 200 for success).
2. Automating Tasks with REST API
Automation is key to improving efficiency in IT service management. With REST APIs, you can automate processes such as creating, updating, or deleting records in ServiceNow. For example, when a new employee joins the company, an API can automatically create a record in the Employee On boarding table.
How to Do This:
• Use the REST API Explorer in ServiceNow to test and find the right API endpoints.
• Make a POST request to create new records, or a PUT request to update existing ones.
• Schedule the API calls using business rules or workflows to trigger the automation at specific intervals.
3. Extracting Data for Reporting and Analytics
ServiceNow is widely used for IT service management, and many businesses rely on it for detailed reports. REST APIs allow you to extract data from ServiceNow and use it in external reporting tools or dashboards, such as Power BI or Tableau.
How to Do This:
• Use GET requests to retrieve data from ServiceNow tables (e.g., Incident, Change Request, etc.).
• Configure the API to pull the required data fields and return them in a structured format like JSON.
• Analyze the data externally using BI tools for better decision-making.
How Visualpath’s ServiceNow Online Training Can Help
If you’re looking to enhance your skills and boost your career in ServiceNow, Visualpath’s ServiceNow online training is the perfect solution. This comprehensive training program covers everything from the basics of ServiceNow to advanced concepts, including REST APIs.
Here’s why you should choose Visualpath for your ServiceNow training:
Why Choose Visualpath?
• In-Depth Online Training – Gain a deep understanding of ServiceNow features and REST APIs through expertly crafted lessons.
• Real-Time Projects & Hands-On Learning – Work on real-life projects and gain practical experience.
• Daily Recorded Sessions for Reference – Access recorded sessions anytime for review and clarification.
Visualpath offers online training worldwide, making it accessible to anyone looking to build their expertise in ServiceNow and other related fields. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, Visualpath’s ServiceNow training can equip you with the skills you need.
Top 5 FAQ Questions
1. What is a REST API in ServiceNow?
A REST API in ServiceNow allows external applications to interact with ServiceNow using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE). It simplifies the process of exchanging data between different systems.
2. How do I integrate ServiceNow with other systems using REST APIs?
You can use ServiceNow’s built-in REST API to create endpoints that allow you to send or receive data from external systems like CRMs, ERPs, or databases.
3. Can I automate tasks in ServiceNow using REST APIs?
Yes, REST APIs can be used to automate tasks like creating, updating, or deleting records in ServiceNow. You can schedule these tasks using workflows or business rules.
4. How do I get started with ServiceNow’s REST APIs?
The easiest way to get started is by using the REST API Explorer in ServiceNow to test endpoints and make sample requests.
5. What training options are available to learn about REST APIs in ServiceNow?
Visualpath’s online training covers REST APIs in ServiceNow, with practical examples, hands-on learning, and real-time projects to help you gain mastery.
Conclusion
REST APIs in ServiceNow are a powerful tool for integrating systems, automating tasks, and improving business workflows. Whether you are a developer, IT administrator, or a business analyst, learning how to leverage REST APIs in ServiceNow can take your career to new heights. Visualpath offers comprehensive ServiceNow online training that can equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in today’s digital world. With practical hands-on experience and daily recorded sessions, Visualpath ensures that you not only learn but also master the art of using REST APIs effectively.
Visualpath is a leading online training provider delivering expert-led courses in Cloud, DevOps, ServiceNow, and AI technologies. With real-time projects and hands-on learning, Visualpath helps professionals build job-ready skills worldwide.
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