How do I set dependencies between child issues?

[Paul Bridel]

How do I set dependencies between child issues?  So to complete an Epic I have a series of child issues.  One could be to write the data import routine.  Another could be to report on the data once imported.  Clearly the import needs to happen before the reporting, but I can not see a way to set dependencies between these child issues?

[Peter Jessen · Accepted solution]

Hi @Paul Bridel ,

Is your question related to Jira Align or Jira? I ask because this is the Jira Align Q&A area.

Jira: The explanation provided by @Jimmy Seddon and your response are in reference to using Jira link functionality. If you are focused on making sure work is sequenced properly in the backlog of a single team, then this is definitely the right approach.

• Maybe there is a way to move this to the Jira Q&A area @Jimmy Seddon?

Jira Align: If you are asking about Jira Align and you want the dependencies in question to show up on the Program Board, then an entirely different approach is used with the dependency objects in Jira Align that can be seen on the Jira Align Program Board.

• In Align a dependency is between two or more teams and through a feature (Jira epic).
• The team that needs the work done by another team or teams creates the dependency through the feature (Jira epic) in question.
• The team (or teams) that needs to clear the dependency adds their stories to the dependency In Align.
• The progress of the dependency can then be seen in multiple views.
• Here is the related Help article: 10X: Dependency Overview and Dependency Types – Jira Align

Regards,
Peter

[Jimmy Seddon]

Thanks @Peter Jessen!  I didn't even notice the collection when I answered the question.  I'll move it to the Jira Questions.

[Peter Jessen]

It happens quite a bit, @Jimmy Seddon . Jira... Jira Align... What's the difference other than a name. :-)

[Jimmy Seddon · Accepted solution]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the Community!

You are correct there is nothing that I'm aware of that would prevent someone from starting to work on one child issue over another.

However you can use the issue links to create relationships between issues that can help inform people of these dependencies.

Our company makes heavy use of the "Blocks/Blocked By" issue links to indicate when an issue can't be completed until another one has been finished first.

You can also create custom relationship names, so if you wanted something other than "blocks" you can create your own wording.

I hope that helps you accomplish what you are looking for.

-Jimmy

[Paul Bridel]

Hi Jimmy, thanks for the quick response.  I can see how that works.  Is there any way of making that link visual on the roadmap, or does it just show when you look at the individual issue's detail?

Secondly, is there any difference in how this works between basic and advanced roadmaps?  I am starting from a very low base of knowledge :)

[Jimmy Seddon]

Hi Paul,

I've only used roadmaps a little bit.  But, I believe, if while in the roadmaps view you hover over any task, you will see a link icon that you can click and drag from one task to another.  That will show visual dependencies between tasks, which in the issue detail view will be displayed using the linked issues field I mentioned above.

Good Luck!