Developer Guide: Importing Data into Banana Accounting

Banana Accounting is an accounting software that runs on the user's computer. It is not a cloud solution, and there is no internet service used to add data to the accounting file.

When integrating data, there are two options:

• The user can manually run a command to import the data.
• You can automate the task by running Banana with command-line parameters for import.

Import the file into Banana Accounting

You can import data into Banana Accounting using one of the predefined formats or an Import Extension.

• Import bank statement transactions.
  This is the most common type of import. See Import Transactions from E-banking.
• Use the Actions menu > Import into Accounting and Automation.
  Use it to import data into the Transactions, Accounts, and VAT Codes tables.
  This is a more specific import function that includes autocomplete and other useful features.
• You can also use the command Data menu > Import rows.
  This is a general-purpose function that imports data directly into any table as it appears in the import file.

Complete and modify imported transactions

After data is imported into the accounting file, the user can add more information, modify existing information, or undo the import. 
This makes it very easy to test imports and automate tasks. You do not have to define every possible case, as the user can handle exceptions and make changes when needed.

Create an export file from your application

This is the most common use case, where your application directly creates an export file that can be easily imported into Banana Accounting. 

By providing an export file for Banana Accounting, your application can appeal to a large number of Banana Accounting users. You can focus on improving your application without having to spend time developing accounting functionality.

• Payroll and salaries
  End-of-month summary data is exported as double-entry transactions.
  See: Import Double-entry transactions in CSV format.
• Accounting data from another accounting software application is integrated into Banana Accounting.
  See: Import Double-entry transactions in CSV format.
• Export sales data from an online shop.
  • Customer information is exported as account data and imported into the Accounts table.
    See: Import Accounts.
  • Invoice information or payments are exported as transactions and imported into the Transactions table.
    See: Import Double-entry transactions in CSV format.
• Export cash book data (Income and Expenses).
  See: Import Income & Expenses transactions in CSV format.
• You can create an export file for any table and then use the command
  Data > Import Rows.

Create an Import Extension to convert data from other formats

Most software applications allow you to export data in a predefined format but do not let you create an export format specifically for Banana Accounting. By creating an Import Extension, the imported file can be converted into the Banana Accounting format during the import process.

This is the best solution when you are using standard software and need to integrate data into Banana Accounting, or when a customer needs a customized solution, for example to automate specific tasks. 
In this case, you can:

• Create an Import Extension yourself.
• Ask a developer to create an Import Extension for you.

Use the free version for testing

For development and import testing, you can download the version of Banana Accounting available on our website. You can use all features and save up to 70 transactions. This version is normally sufficient for development and testing.

If you are an independent software developer and need full functionality, we can provide a time-limited full license.
The request must include a link to the developer's website.

• Creating an Import Extension

Cloud integration

Banana Accounting is a desktop solution that runs on the user's computer. The accounting file is saved on the user's computer.

There is no API that allows data to be integrated directly from other cloud services.
If you need to integrate data from a cloud solution:

• Export the data to a local file.
• Import the data into Banana Accounting as explained above.

Community

If you are a software developer who provides solutions that integrate with or extend Banana Accounting, we also invite you to explore the benefits available through our Community.