Difference between JQL operator "IS" and "="

[Gaurav Mishra]

Is there any difference if I use "=" always instead of "IS" operator. As per my understanding I can use "=" in place of "IS" but its not true vice versa.

Thank You,

[Christophe Le Merdy]

Hello,

Your interpretation is correct. You can use "=" in any case where you could use IS, but the reverse isn't true. By definition, IS can only be used with the EMPTY and NULL, and thus only with fields for which those predefined empty values are valid.

As for "why the overlap", my best guess would be that IS was created for user similtude to SQL - the dual syntax was present when JQL appeared - when JIRA went from Lucene syntax for version <3.x to JQL for > 4.x.

In any case, "=" will work just as well as IS in any case where IS is applicable.

Best Regards,

Christophe

Source: https://confluence.atlassian.com/display/JIRA/Advanced+Searching