What's the recommended method to access data from Jira (other than using the API)?

[Andre Tai]

I'm looking to gather data from Jira (e.g., structures) to do some processing with it. Any direct methods to do so without accessing the API (assuming there's 0 obstacles, e.g., no permission issues and I have access to everything)?

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist- · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

There are really only two ways to "access data from Jira" - use the UI or use the REST API.

There is a third option for those of us on DC/Server, we can read the database, but it is horrid to do so, and the REST API is much nicer.

Could you explain what you are trying to do here?

[Andre Tai]

Thanks for the welcome message! I'm so sorry for the late reply.

At the moment, I'm looking to do something simple before I move forward, i.e., getting the summary of a structure on a structure board. Using the API was relatively easy, however, my team would like me to explore all other options.

It looks like I won't be able to do much other than using the API/UI since I don't have the permissions to the database.

I really appreciate the answer, clear and concise!

[Dave Rosenlund _Trundl_]

Hi, @Andre Tai.  When you say "...on a structure board" are you referring to the Jira app called Structure?  If so, there may be a way to do what you wish directly in Structure.

If you are unsure, look for the "Structure" menu at the top of the screen.

-dave

[Andre Tai]

Yes, you are right. However, I'm looking to do so programmatically (and automatically) so that we can pull that information to our workflows on another platform. So I'm guessing the API is the route for now.

[Aron Gombas _Midori_]

You could maybe export your data to a common format which you can then process. For example you can export to Excel with this app:

https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1212652/better-excel-exporter-for-jira?hosting=server&tab=overview

Note that all apps will obey your permission, i.e. not export something you have no access via the web UI. If an app doesn't, then it is a major security problem. 

If you need to access absolutely everything, you could run SQL queries against the Jira database.

[Thiago Masutti]

You may want to check this feature https://confluence.atlassian.com/adminjiraserver/data-pipeline-1027142324.html as well.

[Andre Tai]

Thanks for the suggestions and so sorry for the late reply!

Alas, I don't think I'm allowed to do any of them (I'm just a user with very restricted privileges).

Thanks again for taking the time to answer!