What is Plain Text Accounting (hledger)?
Plain Text Accounting (hledger) is a lightweight, open-source accounting software that allows users to manage their finances using plain text files. It is designed to be simple, flexible, and secure, making it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking for a reliable and user-friendly accounting solution.
Main Features
Some of the key features of Plain Text Accounting (hledger) include:
- Plain text data storage: All financial data is stored in plain text files, making it easy to read, write, and manipulate.
- Command-line interface: hledger provides a powerful command-line interface for performing various accounting tasks.
- Specialized ledgers: hledger allows users to create multiple ledgers for different accounts, making it easy to track and manage finances.
- Encryption: hledger supports encryption, ensuring that financial data is secure and protected.
- Restore points: hledger allows users to create restore points, making it easy to recover from mistakes or errors.
Installation Guide
Step 1: Download and Install
To install Plain Text Accounting (hledger), follow these steps:
- Download the latest version of hledger from the official website.
- Extract the contents of the zip file to a directory on your computer.
- Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where you extracted the files.
- Type hledger to run the program.
Step 2: Set up Your Ledger
Once you have installed hledger, you need to set up your ledger. To do this:
- Create a new directory for your ledger.
- Inside the directory, create a file called journal.txt.
- Add your first transaction to the journal file using the format date description amount.
Technical Specifications
System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows, macOS, Linux |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM or more |
| Storage | 100 MB free disk space or more |
File Formats
hledger supports the following file formats:
- Plain text files (.txt)
- CSV files (.csv)
- JSON files (.json)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Some of the advantages of using Plain Text Accounting (hledger) include:
- Free and open-source
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use and learn
- Highly customizable
- Secure and reliable
Cons
Some of the disadvantages of using Plain Text Accounting (hledger) include:
- Limited features compared to commercial accounting software
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- No built-in reporting or analysis tools
- No support for multiple users
FAQ
How do I import CSV files into hledger?
To import CSV files into hledger, follow these steps:
- Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where your CSV file is located.
- Type hledger import –csv file.csv to import the file.
Can I use hledger on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use hledger on multiple devices by syncing your ledger files using a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Is hledger secure?
Yes, hledger is secure. It uses encryption to protect your financial data, and all data is stored locally on your computer.