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Ledger

ledger-cli.org

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Spec score 8.2 #32 of 75 in Bookkeeping Software

What it is

Ledger is a double-entry accounting system used from the UNIX command line. Users record transactions in Ledger’s text format and maintain the files themselves; Ledger does not create or modify them. Entries must balance, and an unbalanced entry produces an error instead of a report. Commands can generate monthly and average reports, check balances, reconcile accounts, and track stock capital gains. Ledger supports multiple currencies in an account and can convert between them. Its data files accept UTF-8, dates use ISO format, and decimal values can follow US or European formats. The software is released under the BSD license and is listed as free. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows; downloads also include packages or binaries for BSD. The documentation links to the Ledger 3 manual, man page, C++ API documentation, and ledger-mode manual. The project directs users to an IRC channel and mailing list for discussion, and to GitHub for bug reports.

Spec sheet

What it does
Ledger is a double-entry accounting system accessed from the UNIX command line.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Purpose
Ledger is a double-entry accounting system accessed from the UNIX command line.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
API
The documentation links to Ledger 3 API documentation and describes it as a C++ API.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Support
The project points users to its IRC channel and mailing list for questions and discussions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
License
Ledger is released under the BSD license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Founded
2003Read 28 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Accountant access
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Automated reconciliation
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Balanced entries
Every entry must balance, and an unbalanced entry causes an error and prevents the report from being generated.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Balancing
Ledger requires entries to balance and reports an error instead of generating a report for an unbalanced entry.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Bank feeds
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Bug reporting
The maker directs users to report bugs through the GitHub issue page.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Bug reports
The project asks users to report bugs through its GitHub issue page.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Currencies
Ledger supports multiple currencies in an account and can convert between them.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Data format
Users record transactions in a text file using Ledger’s textual format.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Data handling
Ledger does not create or modify users’ data files; users maintain their own text files.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Documentation
The documentation page links to the Ledger 3 manual, man page, API documentation, and ledger-mode manual.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Downloads
The download page lists packages or binaries for GNU/Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, and BSD.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Interface limitation
The site says Ledger has no flashy user interface and is accessed from the UNIX command line.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
International formats
Ledger accepts UTF-8 in data files, uses ISO-format dates, and accepts US or European decimal formats.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Inventory tracking
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Invoice creation
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Receipt capture
NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Reports
Its commands can generate monthly and average reports, check balances, reconcile accounts, and track stock capital gains.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
Started and author
Ledger began in 2003 and is written by John Wiegley.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org
User interface
The maker describes Ledger as having no flashy user interface and says it is accessed from the UNIX command line.Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org

Plans and prices

Ledger Free BSD-licensed command-line accounting software Read 9 Oct 2026 · ledger-cli.org

Every Ledger plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and released under the BSD license
  • Supports multiple currencies and conversion
  • Generates reports and reconciles accounts
  • Accepts UTF-8 and US or European decimals

Limits

  • No graphical interface
  • Users maintain their own text files
  • Unbalanced entries block report generation

Who it suits

Ledger suits people comfortable with command-line accounting and maintaining transaction files in a text format. Its reporting and currency features may help users who need to reconcile accounts or track stock capital gains.

Verdict

Ledger offers accounting through text files and command-line reports, with support for several currencies and account reconciliation. Its workflow depends on users editing and maintaining those files, and entries must balance before reports can be generated.

Where Specifiction places it

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