How to use the command 'hledger-ui' (with examples)
The hledger-ui command provides a terminal-based user interface for the hledger accounting tool. Designed for efficiency and ease of use, it allows users to interact with their financial data stored in plain text journal files. With features like real-time updates, customizable views, and various thematic options, hledger-ui makes it easier to manage personal or business finances directly from the command line.
Use case 1: Start in the main menu screen, reading from the default journal file
Code:
hledger-ui
Motivation:
This use case is invaluable for users who want to quickly access their financial data stored in the default journal file without any additional configurations. This facility is perfect for daily or routine activities, enabling users to track and manage finances efficiently from a central, standardized point.
Explanation:
hledger-ui: This command starts the terminal user interface for hledger, automatically loading the default journal file. It essentially acts as the entry point to the hledger environment, providing access to various financial reports and data manipulation tools.
Example output:
Upon executing this command, you will be presented with a TUI showing the main menu. The interface typically displays options for viewing your journals, running reports like balance sheets, income statements, and more.
Use case 2: Start with a different color theme
Code:
hledger-ui --theme terminal|greenterm|dark
Motivation:
Changing the color theme is beneficial for users who prefer a different aesthetic, or those with visual impairments who require higher contrast for ease of viewing. It also adds a layer of personalization to the user experience, making the interface more engaging and comfortable.
Explanation:
--theme terminal|greenterm|dark: This option applies a specified color theme to the interface. The choices include:terminal: Uses the default terminal colors.greenterm: A green-themed interface reminiscent of old monochrome monitors.dark: A modern dark theme, gentle on the eyes in low-light environments.
Example output:
Using this command with any of the themes will launch hledger-ui with the chosen aesthetic settings, enhancing usability and personal comfort.
Use case 3: Start in the balance sheet accounts screen, showing hierarchy down to level 3
Code:
hledger-ui --bs --tree --depth 3
Motivation:
For accountants or financial analysts needing a quick overview of financial positions, this use case allows for immediate access to the balance sheet. Showing hierarchy to level 3 provides detailed insights into broader account categories while maintaining a structured view of sub-accounts.
Explanation:
--bs: Directly opens the balance sheet view, which summarizes assets, liabilities, and equity.--tree: Displays accounts hierarchically, clearly showing parent-child relationships.--depth 3: Limits the depth of the displayed hierarchy to three levels, focusing on primary and secondary account groups for clarity.
Example output:
The output will display a balance sheet with accounts organized in a tree structure, allowing you to easily assess financial health and focus on specific account details.
Use case 4: Start in this account’s screen, showing cleared transactions, and reload on change
Code:
hledger-ui --register assets:bank:checking --cleared --watch
Motivation:
Account-specific views are essential for detailed transaction analysis. Watching cleared transactions with real-time reloading ensures users stay informed of the most accurate balance, which is particularly useful for reconciling accounts or monitoring suspicious activity.
Explanation:
--register assets:bank:checking: Opens the register view for the specified account, in this case, a checking account within bank assets.--cleared: Limits the display to transactions that have been reconciled and cleared.--watch: Enables auto-reloading of the screen, reflecting any changes in the journal file in real-time.
Example output:
The output will show the latest cleared transactions for the selected account, dynamically updating as transactions are marked cleared or new entries are added.
Use case 5: Read two journal files, and show amounts as current value when known
Code:
hledger-ui --file path/to/2024.journal --file path/to/2024-prices.journal --value now
Motivation:
This use case is tailored for those managing complex financial scenarios, requiring information from multiple sources. Calculating current values based on known prices ensures users are working with up-to-date fiscal information, crucial for decision-making and financial forecasting.
Explanation:
--file path/to/2024.journal --file path/to/2024-prices.journal: Specifies multiple journal files to be read, allowing for comprehensive data integration.--value now: Provides valuation of amounts based on the most recent prices available, ensuring accuracy of financial data.
Example output:
Executing this command gives an integrated view of transactions, evaluated against current prices, rendering insights into financial positions with current market context.
Use case 6: Show the manual in Info format, if possible
Code:
hledger-ui --info
Motivation:
Accessing the manual directly from the terminal is essential for learning and troubleshooting. It allows users to understand command functions, configurations, and options in detail without needing external resources.
Explanation:
--info: Opens the hledger manual in Info format, providing users with comprehensive documentation on the command’s usage and functionalities.
Example output:
The output will be the hledger manual displayed in the terminal, navigable using standard Info reader keys, providing detailed documentation on usage and options.
Use case 7: Display help
Code:
hledger-ui --help
Motivation:
Access to quick reference documentation is crucial for users needing assistance with command-line options or syntax. The help option is a convenient starting point for users new to hledger-ui or those requiring a refresher on available commands.
Explanation:
--help: Outputs a concise guide to all available command options and their descriptions, aiding users in command execution.
Example output:
The terminal will display a list of command options along with brief descriptions, assisting users in understanding and utilizing hledger-ui features effectively.
Conclusion:
These diverse use cases demonstrate the versatility and user-centric design of hledger-ui. Whether you’re customizing your interface, diving deep into financial accounts, or seeking on-the-fly guidance, hledger-ui accommodates a wide range of needs, making financial management efficient, accurate, and accessible directly from the command line.
