How to Search Specific Content in Jira Tickets

In Jira, you can search for specific content within a ticket, including text in the description, comments, and other fields. This is typically done using Jira Query Language (JQL) or the Jira interface. Below, we cover how to search using these methods.

1. Jira Query Language (JQL)

JQL allows you to create custom searches by writing queries that look for text within specific fields such as the description or comments of a Jira issue.

Search by Description Content

You can search for issues that contain specific words in the description using the description field:

        description ~ "search term"
    

This query will return all tickets where the description contains the phrase "search term".

Search by Comment Content

If you want to search for text in the comments, use the comment field:

        comment ~ "search term"
    

This will return all tickets where the comment section contains the term "search term".

Search Across All Text Fields

If you want to search for a term in multiple text fields (like the summary, description, and comments), use the text ~ operator:

        text ~ "search term"
    

This will search across several fields in the Jira ticket, including summary, description, and comments.

Combination of Multiple Criteria

You can also combine multiple search criteria. For example, to find tickets with the term in both the description and comments, you can use:

        description ~ "search term" AND comment ~ "another term"
    

2. Using Jira's Advanced Search UI

If you're not familiar with writing JQL, Jira provides a user-friendly Advanced Search UI where you can filter by specific fields:

• Go to Issues > Search for Issues.
• Select the Advanced Search option to input JQL directly.
• Use the queries as mentioned above to search.

3. Using Jira's Quick Search

The Quick Search bar at the top right can be used to perform simple searches. Just type the term you're looking for, and Jira will attempt to find matching tickets. However, it may not allow you to specify specific fields like comments or descriptions.

4. Third-Party Add-ons

Jira supports third-party add-ons (such as ScriptRunner or Jira Misc Custom Fields) that can enhance search capabilities. These tools allow:

• Searching in additional fields like attachments, custom fields, and more.
• Advanced filtering and searching across historical changes in tickets.

5. Using the Jira REST API

If you prefer programmatically searching for text in Jira, the Jira REST API allows you to search for specific content in comments or descriptions. Here's an example of how you can use it to search for a term in comments:

        GET /rest/api/2/search?jql=comment~"search term"
    

This will return issues that contain "search term" in the comments.

Summary

To search for content in Jira tickets:

• Use JQL for advanced searches in fields like description, comments, and others.
• Utilize the Advanced Search UI for a more intuitive query experience.
• Try Quick Search for simple queries.
• Consider using third-party add-ons for extended functionality.
• Use the REST API for programmatic searching.

Note: Make sure you have the appropriate permissions to search through comments and other fields, as access may vary depending on your role in Jira.