If you’re part of a software testing team using Jira, you know how crucial it is to keep track of all your tests, their statuses, and how they relate to requirements. But let’s be honest - sometimes getting real-time test insights in Jira isn’t always easy.
That’s exactly why the latest update from Xray Cloud is a game changer for test management in Jira. This release introduces 29 new advanced JQL (Jira Query Language) functions designed specifically for testing. They help you get laser-focused insights on your testing activities, save time, and keep your projects moving smoothly.
Beta Notice: These advanced JQL functions are currently in Beta, giving your team early access to test and adapt them before general availability: Explore Xray Cloud JQL Beta documentation
JQL is Jira’s powerful query language, but out-of-the-box it doesn’t fully support testing workflows. If you want to see how many tests are failing, or which tests cover a particular requirement, native JQL falls short.
Before, you might’ve had to export data, write complicated filters, or rely on manual updates. This slowed down your workflows and made it harder to get real-time answers.
Now, with Xray Cloud’s advanced JQL functions, your queries can:
✅ Pinpoint tests by run status or execution results
✅ Group tests by sets, plans, or linked requirements
✅ Quickly surface tests needing attention, such as failing or unexecuted tests
✅ Bring full traceability between requirements, tests, and executions right inside Jira
This means less time hunting for info and more time making decisions and fixing issues.
Imagine you’re managing a sprint, and you want to see all tests that have failed their most recent runs. Instead of manually checking each test execution, you can run:
jql
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issue in testRunStatus("FAILED")
This pulls up all tests with failing results in the latest execution. You can also filter by “PASS,” “TODO,” or “ABORTED,” giving you instant clarity on where your quality stands.
Pro tip: Use this function to create QA dashboards in Jira that automatically highlight tests needing urgent attention – your team will thank you.
Test sets group related tests, often for specific features or regression cycles. If you want to see all tests in a test set (say, for a big release), run:
jql
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issue in testSetTests("TS-123")
You can then bulk edit or assign these tests, ensuring everyone on the team knows what to focus on.
Why it matters: Helps organize large test suites for structured and manageable test runs.
Testing isn’t just about tests — it’s about validating requirements. If you want to see which test executions relate to a particular requirement, you can query:
jql
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issue in testExecutions("REQ-456")
This shows all executions linked to tests that cover the requirement, so you can easily track completion and spot coverage gaps.
No tester wants to miss testing a requirement. With requirementTests(), you can quickly find all tests linked to a specific requirement:
jql
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issue in requirementTests("REQ-789")
Use this to ensure every requirement is backed by solid tests, crucial for compliance and quality assurance.
Test plans are a great way to group tests for particular releases or milestones. To see all tests under a plan, run:
jql
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issue in testPlanTests("TP-321")
This helps coordinate testing efforts and keep everyone aligned.
Picture this: it's the end of the sprint and you have to present your team's testing status to stakeholders. Before, even with the reports and traceability that Xray already enabled, creating highly specific queries for automations or JQL-only dashboards could demand a few extra steps or let's say extra workarounds.
Now, these advanced JQL functions give you exactly the information you need, directly in the Jira navigator, ready for real-time dashboards, automation, and decision-making. Your team stays informed without additional effort.
More than saving time, these functions expand Xray’s traceability and reporting features, ensuring requirements, tests and test executions are always linked completely and can be consulted in multiple ways, which is critical for complex and regulated projects.
We’ve only scratched the surface with the top five functions. The full set of 29 functions includes powerful features like:
... and many more that cater to every aspect of testing, from planning to execution to reporting.
To get the full list and learn how each function works, check our official Xray Cloud JQL documentation.
If you want to ensure your testing processes remain efficient, traceable, and agile, these new JQL functions are exactly what you need. They transform Jira from just a tracking tool into a true command center for QA management.
Start exploring them today - your team will work smarter, reports will be clearer, and your end product will reflect this quality improvement.
Note: These advanced JQL functions are currently in Beta, giving your team early access to test and adapt them before general availability.