Introduction
If you're new to Jira Cloud, understanding how to create and manage components can be a bit confusing. In this blog post, I'll walk you through what components are, how to create them, and why Atlassian’s Compass integration might make the process slightly tricky.
What Are Components in Jira?
Components in Jira are a way to break down your project into smaller, manageable sections. They can be used to categorize tasks, define sub-projects, or structure large-scale initiatives effectively.
For instance, if you're working on a big project, you can create multiple components to represent different modules or functional areas. This makes issue tracking more structured and helps in reporting and filtering tasks efficiently.
How to Create a Component in Jira Cloud
If you've been following online tutorials, you might have found the process of creating components in Jira Cloud confusing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a new component:
- Create a New Project
- Go to your Jira Cloud instance.
- Click on Create New Project.
- Choose a project template such as Kanban.
- Select Company Managed and provide a project name.
- Click Next and complete the setup.
- Navigating to Components
- Once your project is created, navigate to the Components section.
- You might see an interface promoting Compass, a separate tool that Atlassian encourages users to explore.
- Using Native Jira Components Instead of Compass
- If you only want to use standard Jira components (without Compass integration), click on the dropdown menu at the top.
- Select Switch to Jira Components.
- Now, you will see the traditional component management interface.
The Issue with Compass Integration
Atlassian has integrated Compass into the Jira component creation process. While Compass has its own set of features, many users simply want to use traditional components without additional tools.
Here’s why the Compass integration can be frustrating:
- Users are encouraged (almost forced) to evaluate Compass before they can access standard components.
- Switching back to Jira Components requires an extra step.
- Atlassian asks for feedback on Compass usage before letting users proceed.
While this isn't a major issue, it can be annoying for users who just want to manage components in the traditional way.
Best Practices for Using Components in Jira
- Use Components to Organize Your Project
- Define meaningful components that reflect different parts of your project.
- Example: If working on a web app, you can have components like Frontend, Backend, Database, API, etc.
- Avoid Overcomplication
- Don't create too many components unnecessarily. Keep them structured and relevant.
- Regularly Review and Archive Components
- If a component is no longer in use, consider archiving it to avoid clutter.
Conclusion
While Jira Cloud continues to evolve, some changes—like the forced Compass evaluation—can be a bit inconvenient. However, now that you know how to navigate through it, creating and managing components should be much easier.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your team. Happy Jira managing!