How to create an automation when one issue blocks another?

[fulya]

Hello everyone, 

I have a question that I cannot quite be sure of how to do...

My columns are as follows:

Backlog -> To do -> In Progress -> On Hold -> Review -> Done 

We do link some issues to each other - sometimes as "blocks" and other times "is blocked by". I would like to create an automation to do two things:

• to carry an issue to "Backlog" if there is any other issue blocking
• to carry an issue to "To do" if there either is no other issue blocking or the blocking issue is already on "Done"

Can anyone support me with this query since I am all greek when it comes to JQL.

Thanks in advance! 

[Stefan Salzl]

Hi @fulya ,

As @Josh Costella already described this can´t be done with only jql as there is also action needed.

Furthermore I even see 2 automation rules here.

• the first one triggered by any issue linking of "blocking"
• the second one I´m not even quite sure about the trigger:
  • when issue moved to "Done" AND has blocking list AND check if destination issue has no other blocking issue or 
  • or when blocking issue link is deleted

Hope this helps.

Best
Stefan

[Stefan Salzl]

Hi @fulya 

These are my suggestions if I got your requirements right:

• #1:
  • given: issue link of type "blocks" is created
  • when: blocked issue is not in done or backlog
  • then: transition issue that was blocked to backlog

• #2: 
  • given: issue is transitioned to done
  • when: condition that this issue blocks another one
  • then:
    • identify the issue(s) that are blocked by the triggering issue
    • check issue(s) that were blocked if there are still other issues blocking
    • if not --> transition to "To Do" (in my example "selected for development)

Hope I got your requirements correctly and this helps.

Best
Stefan

[Stefan Salzl]

@fulya 

any feedback on this?

Best
Stefan

[Josh Costella]

Hi @fulya 

You won't be able to accomplish what you are trying to do with just JQL. You would need to use automation. 

Here is a quick example of what you can do to accomplish what you are looking for. This would take care of the Backlog move.

[fulya]

Thanks for your answer Josh.

Though I believe I also need to add some other condition as "Don't apply this automation if the linked issues are all done" or else, I would never able to move any issue with linked issues to the done status. Do you have any idea about this?