Automation - What Action Allows Me to Value Smart Variable?

[Jeff Hooper]

Please see rule snip below. I create a ContinueInd variable that is set to "Y". After transitioning the issue to TO DO, I need to also set the ContinueInd variable to "N". What action will allow me to do that? Thank you.

[Bill Sheboy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jeff Hooper 

Two issues with your rule...

First, you are trying to use an "Issue matches JQL" to test a created variable.  That will not work as the variable is not part of an issue.  Please try an advanced compare condition instead.

Next, branches have some behaviors to understand as they impact your scenario:

1. Branches on one-and-only-one thing (e.g., branch on Parent) get run in-line, as if there was no branch.  This matches your case.
2. All other branches which could-be-on-more-than-one thing get run asynchronously and in parallel.  There is no guarantee of when such branches will complete, up to the last step of the rule, and so you cannot rely upon changes to things like created variables as they are repeatedly created and disposed of with each loop.

Your rule uses case #1, and so the way to "edit" a variable is to use the create variable action again using the same variable name.  Then it will be available with the update after the branch.

Kind regards,
Bill

[Jeff Hooper]

Thanks @Bill Sheboy

Your first point corrected my remaining issue. Your second point provided more information regarding what I had learned yesterday.

The rule works perfectly now! Thanks again!

[Dan Tombs · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jeff Hooper

You'd have to use the same action of create variable and update the value given to the variable.

[Jeff Hooper]

Thanks @Dan Tombs

I'm creating the variable, with a smart value of 1. When I get into the Parent branch, the JQL condition ({{ContinueInd}} = 1) is not met. What am I missing?