[GNC] add on modules for GnuCash ??

[Brad Morrison]

Hi Steven & GNUcash users, 

Another alternative to building an inventory or CRM module for GnuCash
would be to use a commercial alternative like Odoo -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odoo 

https://wiki.gnucash.org/wiki/List_of_external_software_interfaces - a
lot of plug ins have been attempted, but it is a lot of work to keep
them maintained on a very low budget over time... 

---
Thanks, 

Brad - https://www.facebook.com/brad.morrison.12327/ &
https://norcal.social/@BradMorrison 

On 2025-01-05 17:35, Jediator wrote:

> Add-on modules are called plugins in GNC, which won't be easy to do since GNC is still based on the old-fashioned C APIs (C++ conversion is still ongoing).  A simple query "how to create plugins in gnucash" on google yielded the following AI-generated answer (John or anyone from the dev team please comment).  I guess the best way to achieve what you want is to contact the dev team and get your requests on their roadmap. A big $donation$ may help achieve your goal sooner...
> 
> Hope this helps.  Cheers!
> 
> -- ND
> *---------------------------------------*
> To create a GnuCash plugin, you need towrite code using the GnuCash C API, which allows you to interact with the GnuCash data and interface, essentially building a custom extension that integrates with the existing GnuCash functionality;this involves creating a new C project, defining your plugin's functions, and registering it with the GnuCash plugin manager to be loaded when the application starts up.
> Key steps involved in creating a GnuCash plugin:
> 
> *
> *Understand the GnuCash API:*
> Familiarize yourself with the GnuCash C API documentation, which
> outlines the functions and structures you can use to access and
> manipulate data within GnuCash, including accounts, transactions,
> and other financial elements.
> *
> *Set up a development environment:*
> o *Install necessary tools:*Ensure you have a C compiler, a
> suitable IDE (like Code::Blocks or Visual Studio), and access to
> the GnuCash source code (to reference the API).
> o *Create a new project:*Start a new C project in your IDE.
> *
> *Write your plugin code:*
> o *Include GnuCash headers:*Import the necessary GnuCash header
> files to access the API functions.
> o *Define plugin structure:*Implement the required plugin
> functions as outlined in the GnuCash documentation, including
> initialization, data access, UI elements (if needed), and
> cleanup routines.
> o *Data manipulation:*Use the GnuCash API functions to interact
> with the financial data within GnuCash, such as creating new
> accounts, adding transactions, or modifying existing data.
> o *GUI integration (optional):*If your plugin requires a user
> interface, leverage the GnuCash GUI toolkit to create custom
> dialogs, menus, or widgets that integrate seamlessly with the
> GnuCash application.
> *
> *Register your plugin:*
> o *Plugin registration function:*Implement the necessary functions
> to register your plugin with the GnuCash plugin manager,
> providing information like the plugin name, description, and
> initialization function.
> *
> *Compile and link:*
> o *Compile your code:*Compile your plugin code into a shared
> library (e.g., .so on Linux) that can be loaded by GnuCash.
> o *Place the library:*Place the compiled plugin library in the
> appropriate GnuCash plugin directory.
> *
> *Testing and debugging:*
> o *Start GnuCash:*Launch GnuCash and check if your plugin is
> loaded correctly.
> o *Test functionality:*Thoroughly test your plugin's features to
> ensure it interacts with GnuCash data as expected and does not
> introduce any conflicts.
> 
> Important considerations:
> 
> *
> *API stability:*
> Be aware that the GnuCash API may change between versions, so
> consider potential updates required when upgrading GnuCash.
> *
> *Community support:*
> Reach out to the GnuCash community forums or mailing lists if you
> need help with plugin development.
> 
> On 1/5/25 4:43 PM, Steven via gnucash-user wrote: 
> 
>> I am just curious if there is a source for add on modules to GnuCash.   I have seen many questions about tracking inventory.   I think add on modules to handle inventory as well as CRM would be nice to have everything integrated.
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