The correct result is that only the processor's constructor executes. This happens because when a Service Portal widget processor is called from a client script, the processor automatically runs its constructor to initialize the instance. Without the sysparm_name parameter, the processor has no instruction on which specific method to invoke, so it completes the constructor and stops, returning no data to the client. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how widget processors interact with client-side calls, often appearing as a trick where developers assume a default method will run. A common trap is forgetting that the sysparm_name parameter is mandatory for method selection, not optional. Remember it this way: no name, no game—without sysparm_name, the processor only sets up the board but never makes a move.
SNOW-CAD Practice Question: Application development using ServiceNow Studio
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of application development using servicenow studio. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```javascript
var MyAjaxProcessor = Class.create();
MyAjaxProcessor.prototype = Object.extendsObject(AbstractAjaxProcessor, {
getData: function() {
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('active', true);
gr.query();
var result = [];
while(gr.next()) {
result.push(gr.getUniqueValue());
}
return JSON.stringify(result);
}
});
```
Refer to the exhibit. A developer created this Script Include for use in a Service Portal widget. When calling the processor from a client script, the developer passes no 'sysparm_name' parameter. What will be the result?
Refer to the exhibit.
```javascript
var MyAjaxProcessor = Class.create();
MyAjaxProcessor.prototype = Object.extendsObject(AbstractAjaxProcessor, {
getData: function() {
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('active', true);
gr.query();
var result = [];
while(gr.next()) {
result.push(gr.getUniqueValue());
}
return JSON.stringify(result);
}
});
```
A
The script will return an empty array.
Why wrong: Wrong: getData is not called, so no array is returned; the response is empty.
B
The script will execute the processor's constructor only.
Correct: without sysparm_name, only the constructor runs; no method is executed.
C
The script will throw an error because the method is not allowed.
Why wrong: Wrong: without sysparm_name, the processor does not throw an error; it just doesn't execute any method.
D
The script will run the getData method by default.
Why wrong: Wrong: there is no default method; sysparm_name is required to specify which method to call.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script will execute the processor's constructor only.
When a Script Include is invoked from a Service Portal widget via a processor, the processor's constructor runs automatically. If no 'sysparm_name' parameter is passed, the processor does not know which method to call, so only the constructor executes. The constructor typically initializes properties but does not return data, resulting in no output.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The script will return an empty array.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: getData is not called, so no array is returned; the response is empty.
✓
The script will execute the processor's constructor only.
Why this is correct
Correct: without sysparm_name, only the constructor runs; no method is executed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The script will throw an error because the method is not allowed.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: without sysparm_name, the processor does not throw an error; it just doesn't execute any method.
✗
The script will run the getData method by default.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: there is no default method; sysparm_name is required to specify which method to call.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a default method (like getData) runs when no method is specified, but ServiceNow's processor architecture requires an explicit 'sysparm_name' to invoke any method beyond the constructor.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Service Portal processors extend the AbstractAjaxProcessor class, which uses the 'sysparm_name' parameter to dynamically invoke the corresponding method via reflection. If the parameter is missing, the processor's constructor is the only code executed, and the response is empty. This behavior is critical for security and control, ensuring that only explicitly requested methods are executed.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the SNOW-CAD exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Application development using ServiceNow Studio — This question tests Application development using ServiceNow Studio — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script will execute the processor's constructor only. — When a Script Include is invoked from a Service Portal widget via a processor, the processor's constructor runs automatically. If no 'sysparm_name' parameter is passed, the processor does not know which method to call, so only the constructor executes. The constructor typically initializes properties but does not return data, resulting in no output.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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