What is the most recommended way to test Jira customizations (workflow / custom fields)?

[Ricky Wang Lin]

Assuming that you have a PROD instance and a STAGE instance that isn't always 100% a copy of PROD due to data growth and your Jira is running on out-of-the-box settings.

You're tasked to come up with different workflow (s) and custom fields to meet new business requirements and want to be able to efficiently conduct testing without potentially running into in catastrophic (e.g Jira crashing or causing irreversible DB changes).  Would you:

1) Do absolutely everything in STAGE first, which includes:

• Create a test project
• Set up unique workflow/screen schemes
• Design and test functionalities
• Conduct the UAT there with stakeholders to make sure requirements are met
• Then, manually repeat all of the steps above in PROD instance (while workflows are exportable, they do not usually go into Jira PROD correctly if certain

2) Do the tasks with minimal risks in a TEST project in PROD instance, which includes:

• Create a test project with restricted permission scheme to only allow minimum users to see
• Set up unique workflow/field schemes
• Design and test functionalities
• Conduct the UAT there with stakeholders to make sure requirements are met
• Then, "flip the switch" by switching the workflow / screen schemes with "live" project and keep the "old" schemes around for potential rollbacks.

Would love to hear how my fellow Jira admins work their magic!