When is the variable table filled with the CI Type during the creation of Discovery Patterns?

The correct answer highlights that the variable table is populated with the Configuration Item (CI) Type during the Classification stage of the Discovery Patterns creation process. During this phase, the system actively identifies and categorizes devices and services discovered in the environment, matching them against predefined patterns.

This classification is crucial as it determines how the discovered items are classified and stored in the ServiceNow database. By assigning a specific CI Type to each discovered item, the system ensures accurate representation and management of the data in subsequent stages. This is the foundational step that allows the system to recognize what kind of CI is being handled, influencing reporting and operational decisions down the line.

In contexts such as debugging, publishing, or testing, the focus shifts to verifying patterns, deploying them, or validating their outcomes, rather than populating the variable table. Therefore, understanding the Classification stage's role clarifies the sequence and importance of data organization in ServiceNow Discovery.