Database Schema and Tables Flashcards
7 cards from real CSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Database Schema and Tables flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the 'sys_cs_table' (Choice Sets) concept in ServiceNow field definitions?
Answer: It stores the list of valid options for Choice/Select list fields
Choice fields in ServiceNow reference sys_choice records that define the label, value, and sequence of each dropdown option for that field.
A 'Journal' field type in ServiceNow (such as 'Additional comments' on Incident) differs from a regular String field because:
Answer: It appends new entries rather than overwriting, maintaining a timestamped history
Journal fields store entries in the sys_journal_field table, appending each new comment with a timestamp and author, creating an immutable history.
Which tool in ServiceNow allows administrators to compare table schema differences between two instances?
Answer: Schema Map
The Schema Map (available via the Table form) visually displays a table's relationships and inheritance, though full instance schema comparison is done via Update Set XML or the Instance Diff tool.
In ServiceNow, what is a 'phantom table'?
Answer: A table that exists in the dictionary but has no corresponding database table because all data is stored in parent table rows
Phantom (or 'no database table') tables store their data in the parent's physical table rows using the sys_class_name discriminator, without creating a separate database table.
What field attribute would you set on a dictionary entry to ensure a field value is automatically populated and cannot be changed by the user on the form?
Answer: Calculated
Marking a field as 'Calculated' with a calculation script auto-populates it and makes it read-only to users, as the value is derived by the platform.
When a ServiceNow table inherits from another table, which of the following is TRUE about indexes?
Answer: Indexes defined on the parent table apply to querying across the hierarchy
Indexes on the parent table benefit queries that traverse the hierarchy, and administrators can also add child-specific indexes for fields unique to the child table.
Which ServiceNow feature allows you to enforce data integrity rules such as 'State must be Resolved before Close Date can be set' at the database layer rather than just the UI layer?
Answer: Data Policy
Data Policies enforce field rules (mandatory, read-only) on the server side, applying to all interactions including web services and imports, not just UI-driven saves.