gnucash-cli is the command-line interface (CLI) version of GnuCash, an open-source personal and small-business financial accounting software. GnuCash itself provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing financial transactions, accounts, and reports. The CLI version, gnucash-cli, allows users to perform financial tasks and operations directly from the command line without the need for a graphical interface.
Key Features:
- Text-Based Interface: gnucash-cli provides a text-based, command-line interface for interacting with financial data. This can be useful for users who prefer or need to work in a terminal environment.
- Financial Transaction Entry: Users can use gnucash-cli to manually enter financial transactions, including income, expenses, transfers, and other monetary activities. This enables accurate tracking of financial movements.
- Account Management: The CLI version allows users to create, modify, and manage various financial accounts. This includes bank accounts, credit cards, assets, liabilities, and income and expense categories.
- Import and Export: gnucash-cli supports the import and export of financial data. Users can import transactions from external sources or export data for analysis or backup purposes.
- Reporting: Users can generate financial reports directly from the command line. Reports can provide insights into income and expense trends, account balances, and other financial metrics.
gnucash-cli Command Examples
1. Get quotes for currencies and stocks specified in a file and print them:
# gnucash-cli --quotes get /path/to/file.gnucash
2. Generate a financial report of a specific type, specified by –name:
# gnucash-cli --report run --name "Balance Sheet" /path/to/file.gnucash
Summary
In summary, gnucash-cli extends the functionality of GnuCash into the command-line realm, offering users an alternative way to manage their financial data. Whether for personal finance or small-business accounting, the command-line interface provides a practical and scriptable solution for users who prefer or require a text-based financial management approach.