For example, if you wanted to see all the critical bugs created in the last 30 days from project AR that are not fixed – this is what the basic search would look like. Since JQL is basically an advanced way to search issues in Jira, it is the issue navigator where you can write the jql query. Easiest way to navigate to the issue navigator is by using the ‘View all issues’ menu item available under the ‘Filters’ dropdown in the top navigation of Jira. Jira Query Language (JQL) is a versatile and powerful tool that allows users to create sophisticated queries to find issues in Jira. To get the most out of JQL, it’s important to follow some best practices.
First, you should break down your complex query into several individual query conditions. Start by writing the JQL for each query condition separately, and then try combining them together. And each basic query unit can be combined into more complex queries using “AND” or “OR.”
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We noted the convenience of natural language query builders while acknowledging the limitations and ongoing need for human oversight. Even as AI evolves, understanding and verifying JQL queries will remain a valuable skill, especially in complex and highly regulated environments. Atlassian Jira is meant to be used as a collaborative project management tool. They will become immediately accessible under the ‘Filters’ menu & you won’t need to write them over & over again.To save a filter, simply run your query, then click on the “Save as” button. Give your filter a meaningful name so you can easily identify it later.
These are nothing but a medium to compare the fields & corresponding values. Then it will take you to the filter page, where in the top right corner of the issue search, you can choose between Basic and JQL modes. If you want to find issues that are linked to a particular issue, use the linkedIssues() function. Relative dates (-7d, startOfWeek()) keep your filters dynamic and up-to-date. This is extremely helpful for organizations that have service level agreements (SLA) with their customer base.
Additional JQLs with Atlassian Marketplace apps
To meet user expectations, Atlassian Marketplace offers some additional apps with JQL functions. ScriptRunner and Xray were developed with another purpose in mind, but in our example they offer valuable JQL additions to the advanced search in Jira as well as more reporting options. With ScriptRunner you can also not only use more JQL values but create your own as well.
The developers among you might have had a look at the advanced search in Jira as well. Do thought experiments & try to guess what a Scrum master might ask from you as opposed to a project manager who is managing 3 different projects. Rely on a tweaked version of this Jira query language to achieve their end goals.
More in Jira
Different query conditions can be combined into a more complex query using AND and OR. This query returns issues created from the start of the current month. When saving filters for reuse, use clear and descriptive names. In this query the “is empty” statement only includes issues where the value of the assignee field is blank. The value -1d evaluates to 1 day behind the current date when the query is run.
Actonic has also developed an app called Power JQL, with additional JQL functions to be used for the extended search. The JQL substitute can serve primarily as a project management tool, but it can also function as a task management or teamwork tool. Basecamp, being a project management tool, is considered the best alternative to JQL. You can also browse through our website’s Basecamp Shortcuts list.
Search for Issues
If you have many conditions, you can use parentheses to control the priority. Please note that the field list above is the built-in list in JIRA. If you have installed JIRA extensions, some extensions may customize certain fields. For example, if you want to find issues with the status “closed,” the field would be “status.” For each condition, find the corresponding field from the list of fields below. JQL provides several functions that can be very powerful when used correctly.
- You can also browse through our website’s Basecamp Shortcuts list.
- Filter issues by priority and order them by creation date in descending order.
- Please note that without parentheses, the statement will be evaluated from left to right.
- The “in” keyword will include any item that matches any item in the list.
- You can also search issues from the “Issues” section in the dropdown menu.
- However, if you wanted to see all issues that meet all the above criteria or any bug whose title includes the word ‘Critical’ – the basic search won’t be of immediate help.
They have made this SQL like query language as popular as it is today. We will start with the basic concepts & then debate about utility of JQL in the age of AI, along the way covering some advanced topics. And yes, we’ve included a Jira JQL cheat sheet for handy reference. Although there are jql query similarities between SQL & JQL, the good news is that Jira JQL is way much easier. Well, as it turns out – the above logic also applies to the popular project management tool, Atlassian Jira. There are some Jira instances out there with hundreds of thousands of issues/tickets tracked in them.
Filter issues by priority and order them by creation date in descending order. That’s why we have developed an app for Jira cloud that lets you search any such entities on your Jira instance. And the good thing is that it takes all its structure from the Jira JQL. Just enter your query in plain English & it will get converted into JQL automatically.
We also have a downloadable cheat sheet to keep close on hand as you perform searches with JQL. Copy and paste fields, operators and functions into the Jira search bar, as well as learn more advanced queries. Tips and tricks section covered saving filters, sharing queries, and scheduling subscriptions. These features help you get more out of the tool than to write the same queries repetitively. We also discussed the importance of using parentheses for complex queries and leveraging functions to enhance your jql queries further. JQL (Jira Query Language) is a powerful query language that allows you to search for issues in Jira based on various criteria.
Whether you’re saving and sharing filters, setting up subscriptions, or leveraging advanced functions, these strategies will help you use JQL more efficiently. It is a structured approach to search issues within your Jira. It goes beyond the basic search & lets you dig deeper into the data with advanced features such as operators, functions, customizations & more. Having a JQL cheat sheet can be incredibly helpful for quick references. Download our comprehensive PDF cheat sheet below and keep it handy. It includes the most commonly used functions, operators, and syntax examples, making it easier for you to construct queries without having to memorize everything.
