Automation to check if a field was previously empty

David Washburn

Is there a way using Jira Automation to check if a field was previously empty? For example we have a date field and we'd like to run an automation only when the date field was empty and is now having a value added.

I tried using the Field value changed trigger but it counts "value added" as any time the field is edited, even if a value was present before. I only want the rule to run if the field was previously empty. Is there not a way to determine this via automation?

I know I could create a complex setup with a label or something and then reference the label, but that seems like a lame workaround. I was hoping the trigger itself should be able to check if the field was previously null?

 

The rule: if Deployed to QA date field is not empty, and a value has been added, then transition the issue. If the field already has a value, do nothing. 

Kalyan Sattaluri_iinm1n

Hello @David Washburn 

 

You could use {{fieldChange.fromString}} & {{fieldChange.toString}} to check if field was previously populated or not.

Below is a screenshot of Data center and cloud will look different but basic steps are the same.

• Trigger = Field Change, choose "Deployed to QA"
• If Condition -> smart values check:
  • {{fieldChange.fromString}}
  • equals
  • (leave empty)
• If Condition -< smart values check:
  • {{fieldChange.toString}}
  • does not equals
  • (leave empty)
• Do your steps.