API’s & How It can be used in Jira 

by Aravind Vishwanathan | Jun 21, 2024 | Atlassian

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are sets of rules that allow software components to communicate with each other. They provide standards for application data interchange, enabling developers to write code that accesses information from other programs or platforms. For instance, a weather app uses APIs to communicate with the weather bureau’s system, retrieving daily weather data to display updates to users.

Types of APIs

Public APIs Also known as open APIs, these are accessible to any developer. They enable the creation of applications or services that integrate with other platforms or systems.

Partner APIs Used for communication between two business partners, these APIs are built using REST principles, ensuring predictable URLs that facilitate data writing and retrieval.

Private APIs Intended for internal use within a company, private APIs are the most common type due to their quick development and lack of need for robustness required by public products.

Composite APIs This approach batches sequential API requests into a single call. Instead of multiple server round trips, a client makes one request with a chain of calls, receiving one response.

How APIs Work

APIs enable apps, systems, and devices to share information through a request-response pattern:

API Client The client sends a request to the API server, initiated by user action or external triggers.

API Request Components

• Endpoint: A URL providing access to a specific resource.
• Method: Indicates the action (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
• Parameters: Variables telling the endpoint what to do.
• Request Headers: Key-value pairs providing additional request information.
• Request Body: Contains the main data for creating, updating, or deleting content.

API Server Handles authentication, data validation, and data manipulation.

API Response Components

• Status Code: Indicates the result (e.g., 200 OK, 201 Created, 404 Not Found).
• Response Headers: Provide extra details about the response.
• Response Body: Includes the requested data or an error message.

APIs can be likened to a restaurant: the customer (user) tells the waiter (API client) their order, the waiter conveys this to the kitchen (API server), which prepares the food (data) and sends it back through the waiter to the customer.

Dig Deeper: Leveraging Jira for Business Development in Advertising Agencies

Common API Architectural Styles

REST The most popular for internet data transfer, where resources are accessed via endpoints and operations are performed using standard HTTP methods.

SOAP Uses XML for highly structured messages between client and server, common in enterprise environments with advanced security features.

GraphQL An open-source query language allowing clients to retrieve specific data through a single API endpoint, reducing the number of round trips.

Webhooks Event-driven architecture where requests are sent in response to triggers, like a payment being made, enabling event processing and action taking.

gRPC Originated by Google, gRPC allows clients to call server functions as local objects, facilitating communication in distributed systems.

API’s Contribution to More Structured and Useful Coding

APIs enhance coding practices through:

Modularity: Separating functionality into distinct services or modules.

Reusability: Allowing code reuse across applications and projects.

Abstraction: Hiding complex data processing logic, simplifying development.

Integration: Facilitating the incorporation of third-party services.

Standardization: Enforcing consistent access methods, aiding documentation and quality.

Scalability: Enabling system expansion with minimal core changes.

Security: Centralizing security management.

Efficiency: Optimizing communication and data exchange.

Documentation and Community: Providing extensive resources and support.

Postman’s Role in API Testing

Postman is essential for API testing, offering:

Simplified API Interaction: User-friendly interface for sending HTTP requests.

Automated Testing: JavaScript scripts for validating responses.

Environment and Variable Management: Managing environment-specific variables and configurations.

Collection Sharing and Collaboration: Exporting and sharing test cases for team consistency.

Comprehensive Test Reports: Generating detailed execution reports.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines: Automated testing in software delivery processes.

Extensive Documentation and Community Support: Creating and publishing API documentation, with a large support community.

For organizations looking to fully integrate API testing with their development workflows, JIRA implementation consultants can help set up and optimize these processes within your project management and CI/CD environments.

Real-World Examples of APIs

Salesforce: Cloud-based CRM software offering numerous API resources for developers.

Notion: Note-taking app with API collections for task automation.

Discord: Social platform with APIs for customizing servers.

Pinterest: Image-sharing platform with APIs for site or application development.

DoorDash: Food delivery platform with APIs for logistics and fleet management.

JIRA API and Its Use Case

The JIRA REST API enables programmatic interaction with JIRA. It can be used to build apps, script interactions, and develop integrations. Examples include:

Create and Manage Issues: Adding tasks with specific details.

Update and Track Progress: Modifying existing issues and adding comments.

Retrieve Data: Fetching information for reports and analysis.

Automate Workflows: Setting up scripts for task automation.

Integrate with Other Tools: Connecting JIRA with project management tools and custom software solutions.

For organizations looking to leverage the full potential of JIRA through these capabilities, JIRA consulting and JIRA consulting services can provide the expertise needed to design and implement effective API-driven solutions.

Manage Users and Permissions: Handling users, groups, and permissions.

JIRA API Example

Atlassian offers fundamental templates for API connection, available in various programming languages including

• Forge

• Curl

• Node.js

• Java

• Python

• PHP

In this example, we’ll illustrate how to establish a connection with JIRA Cloud and update components by fetching data from an Excel sheet and updating it into a JIRA Cloud project.

Screenshot of an Excel sheet showing data with values of components that need updating in a JIRA Project.

Python code to update components in JIRA Cloud Project. 

Conclusion

APIs are a powerful tool for extending Jira’s capabilities and integrating it seamlessly with other systems. By leveraging APIs, you can automate workflows, enhance data exchange, and create custom solutions tailored to your team’s needs. For organizations seeking to unlock the full potential of Jira through API integration, MicroGenesis, a leading digital transformation company and Atlassian partner, offers expert guidance. Our experienced consultants can help you design and implement API-driven solutions that enhance productivity and streamline operations. Trust MicroGenesis to be your partner in maximizing Jira’s power through innovative API usage.

Unleash Your Productivity In Jira: Essential Jira Tips and Tricks 

by Manoj Kumar | Jun 14, 2024 | Atlassian

Jira is a powerful project management tool that can significantly enhance productivity when used effectively. With the right approach, Jira’s features can streamline your workflow and help you achieve your project goals efficiently. Here, we’ll explore essential tips and tricks to unlock the full potential of Jira and boost your productivity, leveraging the expertise of Jira consulting services and Jira implementation consultants.

1.Customize Your Dashboard:
Your Jira dashboard is your command center, providing a snapshot of your projects, tasks, and progress. Customize it to display the most relevant information for your workflow. Add gadgets like “Assigned to Me,” “Recently Created Issues,” or “Activity Stream” to keep track of your tasks, team activities, and project updates at a glance. For optimal customization, consider seeking advice from Jira consulting services.

2.Utilize Filters and Search:
Filters are powerful tools in Jira that allow you to narrow down issues based on specific criteria. Create custom filters to quickly find relevant tasks, such as “My Open Issues” or “Bugs Assigned to Me.” You can also use Jira Query Language (JQL) for advanced searches. Jira consulting can provide tailored guidance on creating effective filters.

3.Leverage Agile Boards:
Agile boards provide a visual representation of your project’s progress. Customize columns, swimlanes, and quick filters to tailor the board to your team’s workflow and priorities. A Jira implementation consultant can help you set up and optimize Agile boards to match your specific needs.

4.Automate Repetitive Tasks with Workflows:
Eliminate manual work by automating repetitive tasks with Jira workflows. Define workflow transitions, conditions, validators, and post-functions to automate status changes, notifications, and assignments based on predefined rules. Leveraging the expertise of Jira consulting services can help you design efficient workflows.

5.Collaborate Effectively with Comments and Mentions:
Communication is key in any project, and Jira facilitates collaboration through comments and mentions. Use @mentions to notify specific team members about updates, requests, or questions related to an issue. Jira implementation consultants can provide best practices for enhancing team collaboration.
By integrating these tips and leveraging the support of Jira consulting services and Jira implementation consultants, you can maximize your use of Jira and significantly boost your team’s productivity.

6. Stay Organized with Labels, Components, and Versions: 
Organize your issues effectively using labels, components, and versions. Labels help categorize and tag issues for easy identification and filtering, while components allow you to group related issues based on functionalities or modules. Versions help track the progress of releases and plan future iterations or milestones, ensuring a structured and organized project environment. 

7. Monitor Progress with Reports and Dashboards: 
Track your project’s progress and performance with Jira’s built-in reports and dashboards. Generate various reports such as burndown charts, velocity charts, and cumulative flow diagrams to gain insights into your team’s productivity and delivery trends. Customize dashboards to display these reports alongside other relevant metrics, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the project’s status. 
By implementing these essential tips and tricks, you can unlock the full potential of Jira and improve your productivity. Whether you’re managing tasks, collaborating with team members, or tracking project progress, leveraging Jira’s features effectively can streamline your workflow, enhance communication, and ultimately drive project success. 

Dig Deeper: Seamlessly Integrate Jira with other Project Management Tools

Conclusion

Unleashing your productivity in Jira is all about leveraging the right tips and tricks to streamline your workflow and optimize your use of this powerful tool. By adopting best practices, utilizing shortcuts, and incorporating expert advice, you can significantly enhance your team’s efficiency and project success. For those seeking to further maximize their Jira experience, consider the benefits of professional assistance. MicroGenesis, an Atlassian partner, offers top-notch Jira consulting services, providing you with skilled Jira implementation consultants and digital transformation consultants to guide you through every step of the process. With our expertise in Jira consulting, you can ensure your team is fully equipped to achieve its goals.

Agile, Waterfall and Hybrid Methodologies

by Aravind Vishwanathan | Jun 7, 2024 | Atlassian

In the dynamic world of project management, methodologies play a crucial role in determining the success and efficiency of a project’s execution.  There are three main ones: Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid.  

Agile is about being flexible. It focuses on teamwork, feedback from customers, and being able to change things quickly. Instead of finishing everything at once, Agile does it bit by bit, so teams can adjust as they go. Agile has different versions like Scrum and Kanban, which help teams work together better.  

Waterfall is more straightforward. It goes step by step through a project, like gathering ideas, making plans, building, testing, and finishing. Each step depends on the one before it. This method is good for projects where everything is pretty clear from the start.  

Hybrid is a mix of both. It takes the flexibility of Agile and the structure of Waterfall and puts them together. This lets teams be adaptable but still have a plan to follow. It’s helpful when a project needs both careful planning and the ability to change.  

These methods help teams manage projects in different ways. By understanding them, teams can choose the best approach for their project and make sure things run smoothly from start to finish.  

Which Methodology to USE?  

WATERFALL:  

The waterfall model is a way of managing projects where everything is planned out beforehand. The project manager creates a plan with all the tasks and requirements, and then the team follows this plan step by step until the project is finished.  

 Tasks are completed in the same order they were planned. This is why it’s called the waterfall model – tasks flow down in a sequence like waterfalls.  

 While the waterfall method is common, it has some drawbacks. It’s very rigid and doesn’t allow for much change. This makes it hard for teams to adapt if something unexpected happens. Also, because the plan is set from the start, it might miss out on good ideas from the whole team or feedback from customers and stakeholders.  

 Can be suggested,

• Deliverable cannot easily be broken into individual modules to deliver business value  
• User testing cannot occur until the full solution is developed  

SDLC Phase:  

Advantages:  

• Goals and objectives are clear from the start.  
• Projects follow a simple pattern each time.  
• Team members know exactly what’s expected of them.  
• Employees feel less stressed overall.  
• New team members can learn easily.  
• Information is shared easily among team members.  
• Completing tasks brings quick satisfaction.  
• Budgets can be predicted more accurately.  
• Everyone knows the project’s end goal from the beginning.  
• Most planning is done by one person.  

Disadvantages:  

• Not as flexible as agile methods.   
• It’s hard to foresee obstacles and delays.   
• Work might not be distributed evenly among the team.   
• Teams might ignore conflicts to finish the project quickly.   
• Changing directions or project scope is tough once started.   
• Stakeholders might not see progress until the end. 
   
    Also Read: Seamlessly Integrate Jira with other Project Management Tools

There’s no early testing phase to check if the project is going the right way.  

AGILE:  

Agile is a flexible way of working that focuses on testing and adjusting. It values getting feedback early and involving everyone interested to find the best way forward. With agile, there’s still a plan, but it’s not strict. It allows for changes and improvements along the way.  

The plan changes as we learn new things to make sure the final result meets what customers and others want. Being able to adapt is a big part of agile, which is why many teams like using it. Being flexible is important nowadays because things change quickly, like in technology, the economy, and global markets.  

 Can be suggested,  

• Deliverables can easily be segregated into individual work products that deliver quality capabilities incrementally before delivering the whole solution  
• Delivered capabilities can stand alone without future capabilities being delivered first  
• Incremental user testing is easily done on delivered components  

SDLC Phase:  

Advantages:  

• Everyone on the team helps plan.  
• Feedback is important.  
• Customers and others give their input.  
• We think about what customers go through.  
• We can change plans when we learn new things.  
• We fix problems early to keep work going smoothly.  
• We check how much work each person has to avoid tiredness.  
• Teams keep getting better at working together.  
• We keep making things better during the whole project.  
• We listen to everyone’s ideas, no matter their job.   

Disadvantages:   

• It takes time for teams to learn agile well.  
• Without enough notes, things can be confusing.  
• Costs might change if the project needs to change.  
• Projects might get bigger and harder to finish.  
• Meetings for agile take up a lot of time.  
• It’s tough to find new workers who know agile methods.  

HYBRID:  

Do we have to choose between agile and waterfall methods? You might be thinking, why not take the best from both? A mix of both, called a hybrid agile approach, can work well for some teams.  

A hybrid model combines useful techniques from both agile and waterfall methods. For instance, you could start with agile sprints to test ideas and get feedback, then switch to a single plan of action, like in non-agile methods. It can offer the benefits of both approaches and help teams transition to full agile methods.  

Hybrid approaches are often used in agile project management and other non-traditional settings. While agile was first used in software development, it’s now used by teams in many industries. However, what works for software teams might not work for others. Switching to agile can be tough, especially if teams are used to different ways of doing things.  

Can be suggested 

• Projects that have a lower risk profile such as Monthly Enhancements 
• Where larger business requirements can be broken into separate deliverables to deliver viable solutions earlier, but not in an Agile manner  
• Requirements that are not subject to changes that result in development rework 
   

SDLC Phase: 

Also Read: Why it’s smart to work with an Atlassian Partner while implementing Atlassian Solutions 

Choosing the right way to work 

When deciding how your team or business should work, think about what’s best for everyone involved. Agile might seem tricky at first, but if you think it’ll improve things in the long run, it could be worth trying. A mix of different methods, like a hybrid approach, could help you switch gradually without causing too many problems.  

In the dynamic realm of project management methodologies, Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid stand as pillars of approach, each with its distinct advantages and challenges. Agile champions adaptability and collaboration, Waterfall thrives on structured progression, while Hybrid seeks to amalgamate the best of both worlds. As teams navigate these methodologies, the choice becomes pivotal in determining project success.

MicroGenesis emerges as a beacon of guidance in this journey. As an esteemed Atlassian partner, MicroGenesis brings unparalleled expertise in implementing Atlassian solutions. Additionally, MicroGenesis offers top-notch Atlassian consulting services and managed services tailored to your project needs. With MicroGenesis by your side, rest assured in finding the perfect methodology to drive your project towards triumph.

Maximizing the effectiveness of Custom Fields in Jira Software

by Aravind Vishwanathan | May 28, 2024 | Atlassian

In the fast-paced world of managing projects, it’s important for teams to use tools like Jira Software well to get things done efficiently. 

Issues in Jira are made up of fields that store various pieces of information. Every issue comes with default system fields, like name or description, but you’ll most likely need to add more fields to collect information that is very specific to your company. That’s where custom fields come in—they can collect any info you need them to collect and be displayed in different configurations in your issues. 

Custom fields are always optional fields. This means that you can create a new custom field without making changes to existing issues. The existing issues will contain no value for the new custom field, even if a default value is defined for it. 

Defining issue types, fields and Workflows. 

How does JIRA Software present and store information? There are three main areas to explore: issue types, fields, and workflows. 

Issue types: issue types are entities that mirror real world objects. Software teams will often use issue types like bug, task, and user story.  

Fields: fields track attributes surrounding each issue type. Bugs usually have fields like summary, description, fix version, and component to describe the area of software where the bug surfaces.  

Workflow: workflow is the lifecycle of the object represented by the issue type. Bugs are found, reviewed, fixed, verified, and closed by several members of the team. 

Identifying Field Overload: 

 In many JIRA Software instances when the team asks for too much information from its user base. When someone requests a field, they tend to not realize that their field has a cost. Every time a new field is added into JIRA Software, it becomes harder for users to create issues. No one likes to see a giant form with lots of cryptic terms in it. How do you know if you’re struggling from field overload? Let’s center around three important questions: 

• Are engineers neglecting to fill out all of the necessary information when creating issues? 
• Do engineers not submit issues because it’s too much work? 
• Are certain fields collecting bogus information because end users don’t understand them? 

Average response times per action (Atlassian test results): 

Average response times per action (in milliseconds): custom fields test 

Aggregates of average response times (in milliseconds) for all actions: custom fields test 

Optimizing Field Overload: 

1.    Ensure the field meaningfully impacts the business 

Administrators, whenever someone requests adding a field in JIRA Software, it’s important to consider the following questions: 

• What is the business value of this field? How does having this information significantly impact your job? 
• What effort is required from the end user to provide this information? How much time does it take for a user to collect and submit the information accurately? Can we automate this process 
• At what stage of the issue lifecycle is this information needed? 

Each field comes with a cost. Users must: 

• Understand the purpose of the field 
• Input data 
• Keep it updated as its relevance changes over time 

 For fields to be effective, they must be filled out accurately and contain up-to-date information. When the system becomes burdensome, users are less likely to provide quality data, leading to “field rot” where the data becomes unreliable. It’s crucial to ensure that each field is genuinely necessary. 

2.    Order fields on screens 

By default, JIRA Software places new fields at the bottom of the screen. When administrators first construct a screen, all fields are arranged logically for that particular application. However, as teams require additional fields, it’s essential to carefully position them on the appropriate screen. This ensures an optimized data entry experience for end users. Each new field should contribute to guiding users towards completing their tasks efficiently. Let’s examine two examples: 

While the first one does capture all of the right data, the second screen has a much more intuitive flow. Ask a few people who use each screen on a regular basis if the flow is right. Fine tuning the flow will help users enter better data, making for a more optimized workflow for the entire team. 

Dig Deeper: Mastering Bug Tracking in Jira Service Management

3. Fill out the field description 

When integrating a custom field into JIRA Software, consider adding a description to clarify its purpose. This description helps users understand the required information for the field. To maintain screen compactness, keep the description brief. You can also utilize HTML in descriptions, enabling easy linkage to more detailed documentation. For instance, let’s examine a sample description for a field named “build number”: 

“The build number represents the current software version. Refer to the build documentation for guidance on locating the build number.” 

Providing user education significantly enhances team efficiency and effectiveness. 

4.    Respect the required option 

use the required attribute carefully. There’s a strong inclination to mandate fields as required. After all, you need the data, don’t you? So, why not ensure users provide it? However, if users are uncertain about what to input, they might furnish erroneous data – and flawed data poses a greater challenge than the absence of data altogether. Removing bad data from searches is arduous and can turn reporting into a nightmare. 

 If necessitating a field is unavoidable: 

• Provide an option to indicate “I don’t know.” 
• Offer a clear field description (refer back to step 3). 

 Generally, people want to act in the right manner. If team members encounter artificial barriers, they may resort to bypassing them to express their views. Instead of complicating issue submissions, empower individuals to be thorough.         

5.    Remove unnecessary fields 

Teams frequently undergo changes, and what held significance a year ago might not retain the same level of importance today. Users may say, “I absolutely require this field!” Yet, after a few months, the team might not utilize the field in the manner initially intended by the requester. In JIRA Software, it’s straightforward to conduct searches to determine the extent of usage for a specific field. For instance, suppose we introduced a field named “build number” to the bug issue type. We can subsequently execute two queries to see the percentage of utilization of that field. 

 Bugs that don’t have a build number 

type = bug and “Build Number” is empty and created > “<date as per requirement>” 

Bugs that have a build number 

type = bug and “Build Number” is not empty and created > “date as per requirement” 

We can then compare the number of bugs that have a build number with the ones that don’t. If the team isn’t effectively utilizing the build number field, they have a decision to make: do they require the field? 

6. Spread out data entry 

In numerous organizations, data gathering concerning specific issue types occurs throughout the workflow. For instance, addressing a bug typically involves providing details such as a summary and description upfront. However, it’s only upon fixing the bug that additional fields like resolution, fix version, and optionally, assignment to a code reviewer become necessary. 

 Using JIRA Software, administrators have the flexibility to tailor screens, enhancing the ease of data entry. Users reporting issues are presented with only the pertinent fields, streamlining their experience. Similarly, when an engineer reviews an issue, only the relevant fields for that task are displayed. This approach prevents individuals from feeling overwhelmed by an excess of fields all at once. 

7.    Scope each field 

Administrators can tailor custom fields by restricting them to specific projects or making them universally accessible across all projects. This utilization of project contexts streamlines operations for all users, ensuring forms only display essential information, thus enhancing efficiency. 

 For customers managing extensive JIRA Software instances, Atlassian scaling guide offers valuable insights. It includes a dedicated section on optimizing custom fields to enhance the performance of your software instance. 

Also Read : Top 10 Jira Software Plugins to Supercharge Your Workflow in 2024 

8. Automate when feasible 

Automation facilitates the efficient and accurate collection of data. 

 JIRA Software boasts a versatile REST API, simplifying the process for external applications to generate issues and fill in custom fields. Developers gain access to a vast pool of information that might otherwise be arduous or cumbersome for users to input manually. By integrating JIRA Software with your application, empower your engineers to streamline the issue creation process, ensuring higher-quality outcomes. 

 Through the REST API, engineers can obtain comprehensive details about reported issues without imposing extensive manual tasks on users. 

Fields play a crucial role in the functionality of JIRA Software. As administrators, a primary responsibility is to guide users in adopting best practices for utilizing JIRA Software effectively. Leveraging fields optimally and mitigating potential drawbacks contributes to the overall success of JIRA Software for all users. 

MicroGenesis, an Atlassian Platinum Partner, has worked with multiple clients around the world. We excel in Jira Software implementation by providing end-to-end services, including consulting, customization, integration, and support. Our expert team ensures seamless adoption, enhanced collaboration, and optimized project management tailored to your business needs.

Related Content: 

• Adding custom fields : – Describes creating a custom field to collect information that isn’t available in the default system fields 
• Managing custom fields :- Describes various topics like “Viewing custom fields”, “Identifying your fields”, “Managing custom fields” 
• Configuring custom field contexts :- Describes topics on configure contexts for the existing field and then reuse it as you see fit. 
• Editing or deleting custom fields :- Describes editing or deleting custom fields directly from the Custom fields page. For Jira Data Center, you can also delete multiple custom fields at once. 
• Translating Custom Fields : – Describes translating the name and description of any custom field that you create. You can only select from the language packs that are installed in Jira. 
• Analysing the usage of custom fields :- Having too many custom fields can clutter your Jira instance and affect its performance. It’s normal for these fields to grow over time as admins create testing fields and duplicates, and some fields are just no longer used. However, monitoring and cleaning up your fields is necessary to keep your instance quick and healthy. 
• Optimizing custom fields :- Custom fields can have a huge impact on the performance of your Jira instance. You can decrease this impact and speed up your Jira by improving the configuration of your custom fields. With the custom fields optimizer, you can do it automatically.