---
title: "Use JQL to find issues to update"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/CW/69304462/Use%20JQL%20to%20find%20issues%20to%20update"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (aura-html)

# Summary

When transitioning an issue, you may need to update other issues with information from the issue being transitioned. Any issue(s) that can be found by a JQL query is easy to update. More than one issue can be updated with a single post function provided the update that is needed is the same for all issues, otherwise, multiple post functions would need to be used.

# Steps

| Step | Discussion | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add an [Update Issues](https://appfire.atlassian.net/l/cp/oJVwR0F1) post function to the appropriate workflow transition | Assumes you have installed the [Update on Transition for Jira](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CW) app |  |
| Create a JQL query that retrieves the issues that need to be updated | - Test the JQL in the Issue Navigator first.
- If you are using substitution variables, make sure values with blanks are quoted.
- Use an ORDER BY clause if it is important to find only the first issue satisfying the query. | **labels = cw order by key ** |
| Put the working JQL query in the JQL Query field |  |  |
| Add the JQL result to the **Issue to update** field | - Determine if you want all issues matching the JQL or just the first one.
- Select the appropriate replacement JQL based replacement variable. | - **%jql_result_list%** - comma-separated list of issue keys matching query
- **%jql_result_1%** - first issue matching the query |
| Set fields to be updated based on absolute values or [Substitution variables](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CW/pages/69304382) |  |  |
| If necessary, add conditions | See [Use pattern matching conditioning](https://appfire.atlassian.net/l/cp/BLNZG20Z) |  |
| Save the post function |  |  |
| Run a test scenario | - Use [Get problem determination information](https://appfire.atlassian.net/l/cp/3t6ub0FU) to debug your scenario if necessary.
- JQL errors will be logged. Note: This is the most common cause for not getting the expected updates.
- Remember, the JQL query runs under the user's permission unless you are using **Acting user** support. |  |