Jira is a powerful tool for project management, but to fully optimize it, Jira Queries are essential. These custom queries allow you to streamline issue tracking and create personalized dashboards that provide instant insights tailored to your needs. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up effective search functions and dashboards using JQL.
What Are Jira Queries?
Jira Smart Filters are custom search queries that help users organize and display specific sets of issues based on criteria they define. By using Jira Query Language (JQL), you can filter issues by various fields like status, assignee, and due dates. These filters enable quick access to critical information and ensure efficient issue tracking and reporting across projects.
Key Benefits of Smart Filters:
- Efficient issue tracking for large projects.
- Time-saving through predefined searches.
- Enhanced project visibility by integrating them into personalized Jira dashboards.
Setting Up Effective Jira Search Functions Using Smart Filters
Basic and Advanced Search Functions
Jira provides two main ways to search for issues: basic search and advanced search.
The main difference between Jira's Basic Search and JQL (Jira Query Language) lies in their functionality, user-friendliness, and level of customization:
Basic Search
- User-Friendly: It uses a graphical interface, making it intuitive and easy to use for non-technical users.
- Limited Customization: You can filter issues by predefined fields (e.g., Assignee, Status, Priority) using dropdown menus and text fields.
- Quick Setup: Ideal for simple searches when you need to find issues quickly without complex criteria.
- No Syntax Required: No need to write queries manually—just point and click.
JQL (Jira Query Language)
- Advanced Querying: Allows for complex and customized searches by writing SQL-like queries.
- Highly Flexible: You can combine multiple conditions, use operators, and perform functions that aren't possible in Basic Search.
- Requires Syntax Knowledge: Users need to know the correct syntax and field names to write queries.
- Powerful Filters: Ideal for creating reusable, dynamic filters for dashboards, reports, or automation.
When to Use Each?
- Basic Search: Use it for quick, straightforward filtering, especially if you're unfamiliar with JQL or don’t need detailed results.
- JQL: Use it for advanced searches, creating detailed filters, or building custom dashboards and workflows. It’s particularly useful for power users and admins.
Example:
- Basic Search: Find all issues assigned to "John Doe" with "High Priority."
- JQL: assignee = "John Doe" AND priority = "High" AND created >= startOfMonth() (Find all issues assigned to John Doe with high priority created this month.)
Using JQL for Advanced Jira Searches
JQL enables users to create powerful queries. Here are a few common JQL examples:
- To find tasks due within 7 days:
due <= endOfDay("+7d")
- To filter issues assigned to a specific user:
assignee = currentUser()
- To find unresolved high-priority issues across multiple projects:
project in ("ProjectA", "ProjectB") AND status != Resolved AND priority = High
- To find all issues created in the last 30 days:
created >= -30d
- To search for issues in a specific sprint that are still open:
sprint = "Sprint 5" AND status != Closed
These custom filters help teams focus on high-priority issues and tasks relevant to their specific roles.
How to Create Jira Smart Filters
Setting up effective Smart Filters is straightforward:
- Access the advanced search in Jira.
- Cloud: Filters -> View all issues -> On the right choose JQL instead of basic
- Server/DC: Issues -> Search for issues -> On the right click on advanced
Note: On a server/DC either the basic or the advanced option is available at the same time, on the Cloud basic and JQL are available at the same time
- Use JQL to define your query based on your needs (e.g., issues due soon, high-priority bugs).
- Save your filter and share it with your team, or keep it private for your use.
To increase efficiency, create reusable filters applicable to multiple projects.
Best Practices for Managing Jira Smart Filters and Dashboards
- Regular Maintenance: Update your Smart Filters as the project needs evolve to ensure you’re seeing the most relevant data.
- Shared Filters: Collaborate with your team by sharing useful filters and dashboards that improve project tracking for everyone.
- Automate Updates: Leverage real-time data from Jira to automate dashboard updates, keeping the team aligned without manual effort.
Conclusion
Jira Smart Filters are essential for enhancing search functionality and creating personalized dashboards that deliver real-time insights. By utilizing JQL to customize filters and integrate them into dashboards, you can streamline your workflow, improve project management, and boost team productivity. Experiment with Smart Filters today and unlock the full potential of Jira.
