Using disjunctions in complex queries

concept brazil Updated Sep 10, 2026 1 min read c_UseDisjunctionsInComplexQueries.md
Raw file servicenow.com

ServiceNow performs conjunction (AND) statements before disjunction (OR) statements in a query.

When you create a complex query that combines AND and OR conditions, you must use parenthesis around disjunctions to ensure proper grouping of query elements.

Example

Find all closed incidents (state = 6) that are either Priority 1 or Priority 2.

  • Correct query (with parentheses):

    Text
    (priority = 1 || priority = 2) && state = 6

    This query returns all closed incidents where the priority is 1 OR 2.

  • Incorrect query (without parentheses):

    Text
    priority = 1 || priority = 2 && state = 6

    Without parentheses, this query is evaluated as: priority = 1 OR (priority = 2 AND state = 6). This returns ALL Priority 1 incidents regardless of state, plus only the closed Priority 2 incidents.

Query

Evaluated as

Result

Text
(priority = 1 || priority = 2) && state = 6

(P1 OR P2) AND Closed

Closed P1 and P2 incidents only

Text
priority = 1 || priority = 2 && state = 6

P1 OR (P2 AND Closed)

ALL P1 incidents + only closed P2

Always use parentheses around OR conditions when combining them with AND conditions. This ensures your query returns the expected results.

Parent Topic:Working with database views for reporting

Related topics

Joining tables using database views

Displaying function results in a database view

Database views in the base system

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