Jira Query Language (JQL) is a powerful querying language developed by Atlassian for Jira software. It allows users to search, filter, and manipulate issues within Jira based on specific criteria. JQL is designed to be more flexible and precise than simple search options, enabling users to construct complex queries that can pinpoint exact issues or trends within their projects.
JQL operates similarly to SQL (Structured Query Language) but is specifically tailored for searching Jira issues. Users can specify conditions on issue attributes such as status, assignee, creation date, and custom fields. For example, a typical JQL query might look like this: status = "In Progress" AND assignee = currentUser(), which finds all issues that are currently in progress and assigned to the logged-in user.
The language supports various operators and functions, allowing for detailed searches across multiple projects and teams. This makes JQL an invaluable tool for project managers and teams who need to track the progress of their tasks, identify bottlenecks, and generate reports based on real-time data.