ScriptRunner for Jira is a powerful tool that enables advanced automation and customization within Jira. A common question among new users and learners is whether ScriptRunner is free or if there are any open-source alternatives. Let's explore the options.
Is ScriptRunner Free?
ScriptRunner is a paid app, especially on Jira Data Center. However, if you're using Jira Cloud, both Jira (for up to 10 users) and ScriptRunner (at the time of writing) are free. This makes it an excellent option for learners or small teams looking to explore its capabilities.
For those working with Data Center and trying to learn, ScriptRunner offers an evaluation license. While there are limits to how often you can generate evaluation licenses per email/account, switching to another email can help you extend your learning phase.
Is There an Open-Source Alternative to ScriptRunner?
Short answer: not really. While some plugins and repositories offer limited functionality similar to ScriptRunner, none match its full feature set. ScriptRunner is deeply integrated with Jira, offering capabilities that generic scripts or tools can't replicate.
What If Cost Is a Barrier?
If you're working in a company using Jira Data Center, the cost of ScriptRunner typically isn’t a significant issue. Organizations already investing heavily in Jira usually understand the value ScriptRunner brings. For individual learners, evaluation licenses remain the best route.
DIY with Atlassian SDK
Another option is building your own plugin using Atlassian SDK. With it, you can:
- Spin up local Jira instances
- Develop custom automation using Java APIs
- Replicate ScriptRunner-like behaviors tailored to your needs
While most new developers are now being guided toward Forge (Atlassian’s cloud app development framework), SDK continues to be essential for Data Center development.
App Development & Automation
If you'd prefer not to rely on ScriptRunner or any plugin, consider automating tasks outside Jira using the REST API. This approach is particularly useful during migrations or when integrating multiple Jira instances. It also offers flexibility by decoupling your automations from Jira’s internal environment.
ScriptRunner Setup in IntelliJ
There used to be a sample repository from Adaptavist (ScriptRunner developers) that allowed developers to run Jira with ScriptRunner installed locally. While it may no longer be maintained, similar setups can be achieved using pom.xml configurations and ScriptRunner Artifactory URLs within the Atlassian SDK.
Conclusion
Jira has never been open-source, and neither is ScriptRunner. However, Jira's strength lies in its extensibility and flexibility. For those who want to explore what ScriptRunner can do, evaluation licenses, Atlassian SDK, and REST APIs offer great learning paths.
Jira remains a more affordable and customizable option compared to many traditional enterprise project management tools, and with the right tools and approach, you can unlock its full potential.
Explore, build, and automate – the Jira journey is yours to shape.