Is it possible to create a loop in automation to create a number of tasks

Question

Hi there!

A question:

Is it possible to create a loop in an automation that runs until a condition is met?

I need something resembling a do ... while or do ... until logic, probably with a fail safe, as we do not want the rule creating kazillions of issues! 😁

I would like to be able to use that feature to create a number of "Dummy" tasks as child issues within an epic.

Thank you for your insights!

Bill Sheboy · Answer

Hi @Ward Schwillens_ Schwillie

What problem are you solving by creating those "dummy" tasks?  That is, "why do this?"  Knowing that may help the community to offer better suggestions.

Until we know that...

Any mistakes in such looping rules can have consequences.  For example...

* a simple rule mistake could halt all rule executions for your site for the rest of the month by consuming the automation limits for your licenses
* long running rules could exceed the service limits, halting all rule execution for several hours
* self-triggering rules may encounter the service limit for looping, and so halt that specific rule (i.e., 10 loops)

What version of Jira are you using (i.e., Cloud, Server, or Data Center), and if Cloud, have you considered your license level and products?

I ask those things because a webhook-based approach (as suggested by Mikael) can allow recursive looping to solve some scenarios, and potentially encounter items #1 and #3 above.

Another approach is to use a single rule with an advanced branch, driven by the contents of a list from a created variable.  This would allow up to 100 items / issues.  This type of rule could encounter items #1 and #2 from above.

Kind regards,
Bill

Mikael Sandberg · Answer

Yes, that is possible, have a look at this article that describe how you can create a dynamic looping in an automation.