Is there any recommended guidance on when to use Categories vs. Components in JWM?

Question

Trying to understand when it makes sense to use Categories vs. Components in JWM.

Are there any pros/cons for using one over the other?

Also wondering if Categories will eventually be added as an option to JSM.

Also a little confusing that you can add a category to a project different from adding categories to individual issues.

John Funk · Answer

Hi Amanda,

I don't see any real value of using Categories over Components. Maybe there will be something eventually coming that makes them more integrated across projects or some other benefit. But for now, the biggest drawback I see to them is that you can't really use them very well with Automation rules. For that simple fact, I have quit using them and favor Components. Not even sure why the functionality was created/added when we already had Components.

Even Mohanraj's last link above confirms this.

Mohanraj Thangamuthu · Answer

Hello, hope following link helps answer your query.

https://support.atlassian.com/jira-work-management/docs/organize-work-with-components/

https://support.atlassian.com/jira-work-management/docs/categorize-items-in-your-list-view/

https://community.atlassian.com/t5/Jira-Service-Management/Component-or-category/qaq-p/1521088