What is Jira Workflow Toolbox (JTW)
Jira Workflow Toolbox (JWT) makes it possible to automate tasks within Jira. The app gives you the possibility to set up customized transitions between statuses in your workflows, for successful team collaboration. All functions provided by JWT are related to workflows.
Native functionality gets extended by offering custom conditions, validations and post functions.
| Used to control the transitions available to a user. If a condition fails, the user will not see the transition button on the Jira issue view, and so will not be able to execute the transition. |
| Used to guarantee accuracy of existing issue data or data entered on a transition screen before a transition is performed. |
| Used to perform additional processing and help to automate tasks after a transition is performed. |
What are workflows?
Workflows, in general, can be explained as cities with (one way) roads connecting them.
Issues within Jira can be seen as cars taking the roads to go from one city to another one. Their way is clearly defined and they're not able to access a city where no road is.
Sometimes driving a car might be more complicated than expected, e.g. when trying to cross borders.
Conditions
If the border between the two countries is closed, there is no possibility to go from country A to country B at this point. This behavior can be compared with conditions within workflows. If the condition is not met, you are not able to execute the transition. If the condition is met, you are free to go.
Validators
In some instances, there is an open border but you still have to show your passport to check, if you're allowed to cross the border. If not, you cannot continue your journey, otherwise, you're free to go again. This behavior can be compared with validators within workflows. You can always try to execute the condition but if the validator's condition is not met, you'll get a message stating that you cannot continue.
Post functions
Driving a car itself might sometimes be boring or exhausting. Then it's time to stop by for a break, refuel the car or do some sightseeing. That's like post functions within workflows. If just going from one city to another is not enough but you also have to do some tasks during the trip, post functions are the way to go.
A more technical description of workflows and the concept behind them can be found in Atlassian's official documentation.
Where to find workflows and JWT's functionality
Workflows can be accessed by hitting the cogwheel in the upper right corner → Issues → Workflows:
