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Script types and triggers

Script types and triggers

Owned by Jonathan Muse
Last updated: Feb 21, 2025 by Vanya Kiritzova
3 min read

Power Scripts for Jira Cloud uses SIL scripts that integrate with specific trigger points or 'hooks' in Jira. These hooks determine when scripts execute in Jira's processes, giving you more control over your Jira instance while reducing manual work.

To effectively implement these scripts, you must have a solid understanding of core Jira concepts, such as custom fields, screens, workflows, issue types, and projects.

Hook types and tasks

Scripts run automatically when their associated hooks are triggered, working seamlessly in the background. Each hook type enables different kinds of tasks. The following table shows the various hook types in Power Scripts for Jira Cloud, their trigger points within the system, descriptions, and example automation tasks that can be performed with each hook type.

Hook Type

Trigger Point

Description

Example Tasks

Hook Type

Trigger Point

Description

Example Tasks

Workflow hooks

During workflow transitions (before or after)

Scripts triggered during workflow state changes

  • Validate transitions

  • Update fields

Issue hooks

When viewing or editing issues

Scripts triggered by issue-related events

  • Modify screens

  • Calculate field values

Scheduled hooks

At specified times

Scripts that run according to defined schedules

  • Generate reports

  • Clean up data

External hooks

In response to external events

Scripts that connect with external systems

  • Integrate with other systems

Script types reference

The following table outlines the main script types available in Power Scripts, describing what each component does, when it's triggered, and its primary purposes.

Script type

Description

Trigger point

Used to

Script type

Description

Trigger point

Used to

Workflow Conditions/Validators

Scripts that act as gatekeepers in the workflow process

BEFORE any workflow transition

  • Control transition visibility

  • Enforce user permissions

  • Implement security rules

  • Validate data

  • Prevent unauthorized actions

  • Prevent unauthorized actions

Workflow Actions (Post Functions)

Scripts that execute automated actions after a transition is completed

AFTER any workflow transition

  • Create sub-tasks

  • Copy parent data

  • Calculate field values

  • Push data to databases

  • Send custom notifications

  • Perform automated follow-up tasks

Listeners

Scripts that monitor and respond to various system events across multiple workflows

AFTER workflow transitions and other system events

  • Monitor multiple workflows simultaneously

  • React to non-workflow actions (issue edits)

  • Respond to system events: new user creation, project creation, version creation, and issue updates.

  • Provide cross-workflow automation

  • Enable system-wide monitoring

  • Execute global automated responses

Scheduled Jobs

Scripts that run automatically at specified time intervals without user interaction

At defined time intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, or custom schedules)

  • Work with issues in bulk

  • Execute time-based tasks such as:

    • Escalate priority of overdue issues

    • Auto-assign issues created that day

JQL Keywords

Pre-built and custom functions that extend Jira's search capabilities

During JQL query execution

  • Enhance Jira's native search functionality

  • Implement custom search keywords

  • Enable advanced issue-finding

REST Service

Integration scripts that enable two-way communication with external systems

When external systems make or receive calls

  • Enable real-time two-way integrations

  • Process incoming external system calls

  • Send outgoing REST calls

Webhooks

Custom URL endpoints for external system communication

When external systems send messages

  • Receive messages from external systems

  • Enable system-to-system integrations |

SIL Runner Gadget

Dashboard-based tool for custom button actions

On user interaction (button click)

  • Create custom UI buttons

  • Implement simple forms

  • Enable non-admin access to scripts

SIL Panel

Scripts that run in a custom section within Jira issues

Within issue view

  • Display custom content

  • Show custom charts/graphs

  • Present issue-specific information

 

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