Jira Discipline

Jira Discipline Skill

This skill ensures proper Jira issue tracking discipline is maintained throughout development conversations.

When to Use

Apply this skill when:

• Users mention they're about to start coding something
• Discussing implementation without mentioning a Jira issue
• Users complete work and might forget to update Jira
• Unexpected scope or bugs are discovered during work
• Checking on feature or work status

Core Discipline Rules

Rule 1: No Code Without an Issue

Never write code without a Jira issue in "In Progress" status.

Before any implementation work:

1. Ensure a Jira issue exists for the work
2. Transition the issue to "In Progress"
3. Only then begin writing code

Rule 2: Transition Work Complete Immediately

When work is done, immediately transition in Jira.

1. Commit the code changes
2. Transition the Jira issue to "Done"
3. Don't batch status updates

Rule 3: Subtasks Are Mandatory

A Story is NOT done until all Subtasks are done.

• Track progress at the Subtask level
• Transition each Subtask to "Done" as completed
• Parent Story stays open until all Subtasks complete

Rule 4: Create Missing Scope

If you discover work that needs doing but has no issue, create a Subtask first.

• Found a bug? Create a bug Subtask first
• Need to refactor? Create a REFACTOR Subtask first
• Missing functionality? Create a new Subtask first

Always: Create Subtask → Transition "In Progress" → Do work → Transition "Done"

Jira Status Transitions

Unlike Linear where you set status directly, Jira uses transitions:

To Do → In Progress → Done
          ↓
     (If blocked)
          ↓
       Blocked → In Progress → Done

Use mcp__mcp-atlassian__jira_get_transitions to see available transitions, then mcp__mcp-atlassian__jira_transition_issue to execute them.

Gentle Reminders

When User Says They're Starting Work

"Before we begin, let's make sure there's a Jira issue for this work. Is there an existing issue we should transition to 'In Progress', or should we create a Subtask?"

When User Completes Something

"Great work! Don't forget to transition the Jira issue to 'Done' to keep tracking accurate."

When Unexpected Work Appears

"This looks like new scope. Let's create a Subtask for it before we implement it."

Integration with Workflow

This discipline integrates with:

• /planFeature - Creates properly structured Stories with Subtasks
• /work-on-feature - Enforces status tracking during execution
• execute-issue-jira agent - Automatically manages transitions

Remember: Jira is the source of truth. Keep it accurate.