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Elements Connect fields can support the contains operator  "~" and not contains "!~" alongside the equals operator "=". However in Jira there is no fields that accept both operators, equals and contains in the advanced search (See the Atlassian documentation). The fact of supporting both operators creates some side effects on the advanced search.

Why is it deactivated by default?

By default we choose to deactivate the contains operator for Elements Connect fields. That means when you create a new Elements Connect field, it will have a search template which does not contains "~" and "!~" operators. 

If your field was created in Elements Connect 5, it will have a search template containing the "~" and "!~" operators.

Description of side effects on the advanced search

First case: Jira Custom field 

• If you use a Jira custom field (select list single choice) name "customfield_test1" in an advanced search and you type : "customfield_test1 ~ ", Jira will propose you the list of options for your field even if the operator isn't supported.

• This use case shows that Jira will always display the options even if you try to use the "contains" (~) operator. If the field support "~", you will never have suggestions (for example : summary). 

Second case: Elements Connect field using ~

• When you do an advanced search with your Elements Connect field. If you decide to use the contains operator "~" like this : "custom_connect_field1 ~ " : Element Connect will return no suggestion. 
• If you erase the "~" and replace it by an "=": Elements Connect will return no suggestion because Jira will not recaculate the suggestions list. (Degraded operation)

Third case: Elements Connect field using =

• When you do an advanced search with your Elements Connect field. If you decide to use the "equals" operator ("=") like this : "custom_connect_field1 = " : Element Connect will return the list of suggestions.
• If you erase the "~" and replace it by an "=": Elements Connect will return the list of suggestions previously calculated by the "=". (Degraded operation)

Change the field searcher

You can change the search template of your Elements Connect field to allow the "~" and "!~" operators. 

• Go to Jira administration → issues tab → custom fields.
• Choose edit of your Elements Connect field.
• Select a new search template in the combo box.