Based on the provided reference, a Feature is a specific work item type used in Jira Align, which serves as the parent of a story, distinguishing it from standard Jira software where the parent of a story is called an Epic.
Understanding the hierarchy of work items is crucial in project management tools like Jira and Jira Align. These tools often use different issue types to represent work at various levels of granularity, linking them in parent-child relationships.
Feature Defined by the Reference
According to the information provided, the term "Feature" is defined specifically within the context of Jira Align:
In Jira Align, the parent of a story is called a Feature.
This definition highlights a key difference in terminology when comparing Jira software and Jira Align, even though they are related products from Atlassian.
Jira vs. Jira Align Terminology
The reference explicitly contrasts the terminology used for the parent of a story in the two platforms:
In Jira, the parent of a story is called an EPIC. In Jira Align, the parent of a story is called a Feature.
This means that while both platforms support a hierarchical structure where smaller pieces of work (like Stories) are grouped under larger initiatives, the name for that intermediate level differs.
Key Distinction: Parent of a Story
Let's look at the primary difference based on the reference:
- In Jira: The work item type that acts as the direct parent to a Story is typically an Epic. Epics usually represent larger bodies of work that can be broken down into multiple Stories.
- In Jira Align: The work item type that acts as the direct parent to a Story is called a Feature. Features in Jira Align serve a similar purpose to Epics in standard Jira, aggregating Stories.
| Platform | Parent of a Story |
|---|---|
| Jira | Epic |
| Jira Align | Feature |
Implications for Teams
Understanding this distinction is important for teams working across both platforms or migrating between them. While the concept of grouping Stories under a larger item remains consistent, the specific terminology differs, which can impact configuration, reporting, and communication.
In summary, while you might hear the term "feature" used generically in software development, according to the provided reference, a "Jira feature" specifically refers to the parent of a story within the Jira Align platform, which is distinct from an Epic in standard Jira.
