Visual Studio Tfs

Understanding TFS Work Item Help Text

When working with Team Foundation Server (TFS), particularly while creating custom work items, you might come across a field labeled as help text. This feature is designed to provide additional context and guidance for different fields in your work items. However, one common question arises: Where is the help text actually displayed?

Many users find themselves puzzled when they can’t easily locate this important information within Team Explorer or Team System Web Access. Let’s dive deeper into this functionality and clarify where you can see the help text for your TFS work items.

Where Is Help Text Displayed in TFS?

The help text for fields in TFS is conveniently displayed when you hover over the specific field type in the work item form. Here’s how this works in practice:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create a New Work Item:

    • Start by creating a new work item, such as a bug or task.

  2. Hover Over Field Types:

    • Once the form is open, navigate to the fields you have available, like “rank.”
    • Simply hover your mouse pointer over the field type (in this case, “rank”).

  3. View Help Text:

    • After hovering, a tooltip will appear showing the help text. For example, it may read: “Stack rank used to prioritize work.”

Important Points to Remember

  • The help text is context-sensitive, meaning it will provide information relevant to the specific field you are hovering over.
  • This feature is particularly useful for new users or team members unfamiliar with certain fields, ensuring they have the information needed to complete their tasks accurately.
  • If needed, make notes of any key help text you find particularly useful for your future reference or for training team members.

Conclusion

Locating the help text for TFS work items is a straightforward process when you know where to look. By simply hovering over individual field types within your work item form, you can access valuable contextual information to enhance your TFS experience. Always take advantage of this feature while working to help streamline your work processes and improve efficiency.

By understanding how to utilize the TFS work item help text, you can ensure that you and your teammates are on the same page regarding the details and purpose of various fields within your work items.