Is there a way to provide messaging when a parent can't be closed with open sub-tasks

Question

Hi All!

I know that I can use a condition within the workflow to prevent parent issues from being closed if their sub-tasks are still open, but it doesn't provide any messaging as to why it's not an option. Is there a way to do it that provides a message? I was hoping I could use a validator instead but I don't see that option for the parent issue.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Jennie

Humashankar VJ · Answer

Hi @Jennifer Neusch

Jira's built-in workflow conditions can block a parent issue from closing if sub-tasks are still open, but they don't provide any feedback to the user.

To display a clear error message, consider using a marketplace app like ScriptRunner / JMWE, which offer workflow validators with custom messaging.

By installing one of these apps and adding a validator to the parent issue's "Done" or "Closed" transition, you can provide users with helpful feedback on why the transition is blocked.

Hope this helps - Happy to help further!!
Thank you very much and have a great one!
Warm regards

Jack Brickey · Answer

Hi @Jennifer Neusch , indeed, that is one of the limitations or shortcomings of using conditions. I do wish there was a way to provide feedback to the user trying to make the transition happen. One option, though not ideal IMO, is to use automation. The way this would work is that you would allow the transition to happen by removing the condition but then ann automation rule would transition it back, adding a comment telling the assignee why it was transitioned back. Yes I know ugly. Of course, there are third-party options that could get you there more cleanly if that is an option for you.

One other convoluted approach that I just thought of is to consider using automation to add a label or set a custom field on the parent once all sub tasks are done. You could then use a validator on the existence of that label or custom field and thereby indicate a message to your user.