How to View Epics in Jira
Epics in Jira are a crucial component of Agile project management, representing a collection of user stories that are closely related and contribute to a larger goal or feature. They help teams prioritize and plan their work more effectively, ensuring that the most valuable features are developed first. However, with the vast amount of information available in Jira, it can sometimes be challenging to locate and view epics. In this article, we will guide you through the process of viewing epics in Jira, making it easier for you to manage your projects and track progress.
Accessing the Epic List
To view epics in Jira, you first need to access the Epic List. There are several ways to do this, depending on the Jira version and the specific setup of your project.
1. Using the Epic Link on a Issue: If you are looking for a specific epic, you can start by navigating to the issue you are interested in. Once there, click on the “Epic” link in the issue details. This will take you directly to the epic’s page.
2. Navigating to the Epic List Page: In the Jira sidebar, you will find an option called “Epic.” Clicking on this will take you to the Epic List page, where you can view all the epics in your project.
3. Using the JQL Filter: If you want to search for a specific epic or a set of epics based on certain criteria, you can use the JQL (Jira Query Language) filter. In the search bar, enter the JQL query for the epic(s) you are interested in, and then click on the “Search” button. This will display the results in the issue navigator, and you can click on the “Epic” link to view the epic details.
Understanding Epic Details
Once you have accessed the Epic List or an individual epic’s page, you can view the following details:
1. Epic Name: The name of the epic, which provides a brief description of the feature or goal it represents.
2. Description: A detailed description of the epic, including its purpose, scope, and any additional information that may be relevant.
3. Status: The current status of the epic, such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” or “Done.”
4. Assignee: The person or team responsible for the epic.
5. Linked Issues: A list of user stories, tasks, and other issues that are associated with the epic.
6. Epic Points: An estimate of the effort required to complete the epic, often represented as story points.
Filtering and Sorting Epics
To make it easier to manage and view epics, Jira provides filtering and sorting options:
1. Filtering: You can filter the epic list by status, assignee, or other criteria using the filter options available on the Epic List page.
2. Sorting: You can sort the epic list by name, status, or other attributes by clicking on the column headers.
Conclusion
Viewing epics in Jira is a straightforward process that can help you stay organized and on top of your project’s progress. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access the Epic List, understand epic details, and filter and sort epics to meet your project management needs. With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to plan, execute, and track the success of your Agile projects.
