Is Atlassian’s JQL fully custom-built with its own syntax and parser, or did they integrate external open-source frameworks? My team is exploring similar flexible search options.
Based on my own experiences working on projects that needed similar custom querying capabilities, it really seems that JQL was developed entirely in-house. The design of its syntax and parser indicates a solution that was created specifically for Jira’s unique architecture rather than being adapted from an external open-source project. I remember encountering several instances where the tailored behavior of JQL directly addressed specific needs for performance and functionality that generic tools couldn’t cover. This shows that sometimes a custom-built solution can outperform or fit better than a ready-made alternative, especially when device-specific constraints are involved.
In examining the history and design of JQL in the context of similar systems, it appears that Atlassian committed to a custom-built solution from an early stage. Personal experience and industry observations indicate that building a dedicated query parser and syntax was integral for handling Jira’s specialized data structures and performance requirements. This approach not only provided the necessary flexibility but also allowed for more precise control over feature developments and optimizations. Such a strategy clearly points toward an in-house design rather than adopting a third-party open-source framework.
From my own perspective working on systems that required heavy customization, it appears that JQL was more a product of in-house development than a repurposed external framework. Indeed, having built similar query languages in one of my previous roles, I saw firsthand the benefits of tailoring a parser and syntax to the specific needs of a platform. A purpose-built solution provides finer control over performance and user experience, something that generic libraries often lack. This strategy is consistent with what we see in Jira’s evolution, where flexibility and precision were paramount.
In practical experience, it appears that Atlassian engineered JQL from the ground up rather than relying on an external open-source framework. Their approach seems tailored to address the unique needs of Jira’s internal data structures and operations. Creating a custom syntax and parser likely allowed them to optimize search functionality and maintain full control over feature expansion. For teams looking to replicate such flexible searching, a custom solution might be more advantageous than adapting a general-purpose search library, as it provides better alignment with your product’s specific requirements and performance goals.
i think atlassian built jql custim inhouse for jira’s unique needs. its design shows it was made specifically for their internal data, not just an off-the-shelf parser. this gave them full control over how queries work.