Getting started with JQL Search Extensions

Owned by Deborah Scott
Last updated: Dec 10, 2024 by Deborah Scott
4 min read

On this page:

Before using the app for the first time, check the status on the in-app Get Started page. If the Jira issues are still processing, wait until the process is complete.

What is JQL Search Extensions for Jira Cloud (JSE)?

JSE is an app that extends Jira Cloud's search and reporting capabilities. It delivers additional keywords and functions not available in native Jira advanced search to improve the speed, precision, and relevance of your issue searches. Your queries can be saved as filters and used anywhere you would use a standard Jira filter.

What are JSE keywords and functions?

JSE keywords reference issue properties and act as terms for indexed search results. They make it faster and easier to build your searches in Jira Query Language (JQL). Auto-complete and suggestions also mean you don’t have to memorize all the keywords or operators.

Examples of keywords are CommentedBy or AttachmentExtenstion. A simple JQL clause could be AttachmentExtension = png. This returns all issues that have an attached PNG file.

JSE functions add precision to your searches using the parameters that you define for the query or calculations within the parentheses. Examples of functions are childrenOfIssuesInQuery() or linkedIssuesOfQuery()

When using a function, your query begins with issue in, for example,
issue in linkedIssuesOfQuery("project=ACME", "is blocked by") finds issues that block project ACME.

To use JQL Search Extensions for Jira, you should know how to write and structure a JQL query. You should understand how to use functions and keywords to build relevant and precise search results. If you need help with JQL, refer to Atassian’s support documentation Use advanced search with Jira Query Language (JQL) | Jira Cloud | Atlassian Support

Where can I use JSE?

JSE keywords

  • In Jira advanced search

  • In JSE’s Extended Search page

In either case, type the JQL keyword or combine it with other JQL clauses in the issue search field.

Screenshot of Extended Search with a JQL query using a keyword.

JSE functions

  • In the Extended Search page
    You can create queries with functions and save them as filters to use in Jira. All functions are preceded by issue in, for example, issue in dateCompare("duedate < resolved").

    Screenshot of Extended Search with a JQL query using a function..

When you are starting out, keep the list of our JQL functions and keywords handy to find the ones you need. The Extended Search page also has a cheat sheet so you can find what you need, copy the syntax, or discover other functions and keywords.

Extended Search filters

Extended Search filters are JSE queries that you save from the Extended Search page. Your Extended Search filters can be used anywhere you would use a standard Jira filter. For more information on creating, using, and managing filters, see Extended Search filters.

What’s the difference between advanced search in Jira and Extended Search?

Advanced search is Jira’s native JQL issue search feature. It lets you search across all projects in your instance using Jira Query Language (JQL). You can save your queries as filters then use them in reporting features and share them with others to facilitate their searching and reporting tasks.

Extended Search is JSE’s issue search feature for Jira Cloud. Here, you can expand on Jira’s native search using JSE functions and keywords, save your queries as filters, and then use them in Jira in future searches and reporting. To open the Extended Search page, in the top navigation bar in Jira, select Apps > JQL Search Extensions for Jira. Go to the Extended Search topic to learn more.

Get started

The easiest way to start is to follow a simple scenario:

  1. Go to Apps > JQL Search Extensions. The Extended Search page displays.

  2. In the JQL functions reference, or the in-app cheat sheet, find a function or a keyword that you want to use.

  1. Type the query in the search bar on the Extended Search page, then click Search. The resulting issues display.

  2. To save the query as a filter, click Save the query as a filter.

  3. In the Filter name input field, type a name for your filter, then click Save. Choose a name that helps you identify the filter in a list of filters, for example, My Links Count. You can now use the filter in dashboard gadgets and other Jira apps. See Extended Search filters to learn more.

  4. Click Show in Jira search to apply your filter in Jira advanced search. Your filter search results display in a new tab in Jira.

  5. Now try using a few JSE keywords in Jira advanced search.

How did it go? If you had trouble going through this scenario, submit a support request or book a demo for a friendly, no-nonsense consultation.