What do client scripts in ServiceNow primarily do?

Client scripts in ServiceNow are designed to run in the user's browser and are primarily used to make real-time changes to the user interface. When a user interacts with forms or lists, client scripts can dynamically manipulate the appearance and behavior of these elements based on user input or certain conditions. This ability to respond instantly to user actions enhances the overall user experience by allowing, for example, the automatic hiding or displaying of fields, validation of input, or the triggering of other UI elements without requiring a page refresh.

The focus of client scripts is on the client side (the user's browser), rather than server-side processes. They are optimized for immediacy and interactivity, enabling quick feedback and adjustments in the UI based on what the user is doing at any moment. This aspect of client scripts is critical for creating responsive applications that feel smooth and intuitive to users.

In contrast, other choices relate to functionalities outside the scope of client scripts. For instance, server-side data storage and background processing are managed through different mechanisms in ServiceNow, while user permissions are typically controlled through roles and access controls rather than executable scripts on the client's browser.