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;doc: officially deprecate secondary dates, harder

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Simon Michael 2024-06-01 09:31:33 -10:00
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@ -2734,16 +2734,19 @@ assumed. When running reports, the primary (left) date is used by
default, but with the `--date2` flag (`--aux-date` or`--effective` also work, for Ledger users),
the secondary (right) date will be used instead.
The meaning of secondary dates is up to you, but it's best to follow a
consistent rule. Eg "primary = the bank's clearing date, secondary =
date the transaction was initiated, if different".
The meaning of secondary dates is up to you.
Eg it could be "primary = the bank's clearing date, secondary = date the transaction was initiated, if different".
In fact this feature usually adds confusion.
It splits your reporting into two modes, and you have to remember which mode is appropriate for a given report.
Usually only one mode will work with your balance assertions.
It makes your financial data more complicated, less portable, and less clear in an audit.
You should consider it deprecated in hledger,
and use [posting dates](#posting-dates) instead; they are simpler and better.
In fact this feature usually adds confusion:
- You have to remember the primary and secondary dates' meaning, and follow that consistently.
- It splits your bookkeeping into two modes, and you have to remember which mode is appropriate for a given report.
- Usually your balance assertions will work with only one of these modes.
- It makes your financial data more complicated, less portable, and less clear in an audit.
- It interacts with every feature, creating an ongoing cost for implementors.
- It distracts new users and supporters.
- [Posting dates](#posting-dates) are simpler and work better.
So as of 2024, secondary dates are officially deprecated in hledger; consider using posting dates instead.
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