[GNC] Example of multi-split feature of CSV importer?

[D]

Michael, Adrien, 

Section 4.3 in the Guide is titled "Simple vs. Split Transactions" and explains in some detail what is meant. Perhaps the language there is not clear enough (improvements always welcome!), but it's not true that this isn't defined or explained.

David

On March 19, 2019, at 4:32 AM, Adrien Monteleone <adrien.monteleone at lusfiber.net> wrote:

I think the confusion lies with using the undefined term ‘multi-split’ at all.

As Geert pointed out, *all* transactions have multiple ’splits’. (when used as a noun to mean each ledger entry)

This reference to ‘multi-split’ likely arises because the register by default, as well as the CSV importer only show a single line with the ‘other’ account rather than both ledger entries. This is why I always recommend users just getting started with GnuCash to turn on the Transaction Journal view mode so they can see everything that is going on. It helps to understand the double-entry process. I preferred it so much (and many of my transactions contain 3 or more ledger entries anyway) that I just use it permanently. When trying to help family members learning GnuCash, I’ve found they are routinely confused when they only see the transfer account and then have to do a more complicated entry.

Regards,
Adrien

> On Mar 18, 2019, at 5:43 PM, Michael Hendry <hendry.michael at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> On 18 Mar 2019, at 17:54, Geert Janssens <geert.gnucash at kobaltwit.be> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Hendry,
>> 
>> The term split has been in use in GnuCash long before I joined the project. As 
>> I'm not an accountant, I don't know which would be the proper formal 
>> accounting term to use in this context. And additionally it may be very hard 
>> to change the use of this term throughout the project (though if there really 
>> is a more correct term it may be worth gradually promoting it).
>> 
>> Regards,
>> 
>> Geert
> 
> Evening, Geert.
> 
> Agreed, in the glossary the definition of a split goes like this...
> 
> "Split
> A split, or Ledger Entry, is the fundamental accounting unit...”
> 
> ...I’ve been using Gnucash for 9 years and have coped with the concept in practice.
> 
> There is always a place for a tightly defined vocabulary in any technical context, but I’m puzzled at the choice of “split”, when “Ledger Entry” describes the idea so well, and split already means something else. 
> 
> Perhaps it’s a UK/US usage thing?
> 
> I’ve never used the CSV import procedure, but I’ve been skimming the current threads on this topic and felt that Gnucash newbies might benefit from some clarification. For example, the term “multi-split” has no definition in the glossary. 
> 
> “Multi-“ is conventionally used to mean “more than one”, but in this instance it’s been defined to mean “more than two”.
> 
> I’m not an accountant either, and I’m not necessarily arguing that the term “split” should be renamed, just pointing out that there is potential for misunderstanding.
> 
> Michael Hendry


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