[GNC] Split Transactions

[Michael or Penny Novack]

On 11/14/2020 8:37 PM, David Carlson wrote:
> Nathan,
>
> The first time it can be a little tricky.  First select one of the
> transaction view options that will show the splits, then practice using the
> tab key to move the curser from box to box.  For practice you can enter
> garbage text because it is easy to delete your practice mistakes.
>
Another thing new users might find helpful during the stage where they 
are trying to use gnucash but still learning how to do things.

Take advantage of the fact that gnucash can be used for multiple sets of 
books.. So in addition to your real set of books, create a "test" set of 
books, maybe name it "test".

a) To avoid clutter of its log files, etc. create a directory for it to 
live in.

b) So that there would be no chance of confusing your real file with 
this test set of books, I suggest using "new file" and the assistant to 
create a very simple set of books, say just one asset account, one 
liability account, one equity account, two income and two expense 
accounts. The initial balances can all be zero.

c) Now you have a test environment in which to learn how to do things 
like entering split transactions. Begin with the easy sort, split just 
on one  side of the transaction << you most easily enter these working 
from the account on the UNSPLIT side. When you have mastered that, try 
entering a split transaction from one of the accounts on the split side 
<< harder >>. Once you have mastered that, graduate to transactions 
split on both sides.

d) Treat other things you are learning how to do the same way. Use the 
test books to play around in.

Michael


-- 
There is no possibility of social justice on a dead planet except the equality of the grave.