What is the difference between a Child issue, a Linked issue and a Sub-Task?

[Joshua McInturff]

When I create an Epic, I can create a child issue but I don't see a way to make an existing issue a child. I like the way the child shows up on the board. I like the way it can be a different issue type rather than a sub-task. Any thoughts on what the differences are and how I cha change an existing task into a "Child" rather than just linking it?

[Jehan Bhathena · Accepted solution]

Hi @Joshua McInturff ,

Each issue type have a level associated with it.

Epic -1, Bugs and Story-0 and Sub-task is -1(minus 1).

You can add the Epic link/Parent link in a 0 Level issue type, this will then get reflected as a child issue in your Epic.

Eg. In your Image you can open SDV-1, in the Parent Link add the Epic's issue ID and save. This will make SDV-1 as the child issue.

Hope this helps 🙂

PS: https://support.atlassian.com/jira-software-cloud/docs/upcoming-changes-epic-link-replaced-with-parent/ would recommend using Parent Link going ahead

[Joshua McInturff]

I can't find the Parent Link to allow me to add the Epic's issue ID. I enabled it in the "Default Issue Screen"... but it doesn't show up.

[Jehan Bhathena]

Which issue type are you trying to add the Parent Link to?

Is that issue type at Level 0 in the issue type hierarchy?

Reference: https://support.atlassian.com/jira-cloud-administration/docs/configure-the-issue-type-hierarchy/

[Joshua McInturff]

I accidentally made it an Epic. Once I changed it back, the Epic link showed up properly. (Still no "parent" link...  but maybe that is still being "rolled out".)

Thanks! I Have what I need now!

[Joshua McInturff]

Not an answer... just trying to edit... I figured out how to edit the question... now this answer can be deleted.