diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2646670c5 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,286 @@ +![jGnash Logo](https://jgnash.github.io/img/jgnash-logo.png) + +## jGnash README + +[jGnash](https://sourceforge.net/projects/jgnash/) is a free (no strings attached!) personal finance manager with many of the same features as commercially-available software. It was created in order to make tracking personal finances easy, but also provides the functionality needed by advanced users. jGnash is cross-platform and will run on any operating system that has a current Java Runtime Environment (e.g., Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows). + +- jGnash requires **Java 11** or newer and is compatible with the open source OpenJDK Platform, and the Oracle JVM as well. + +See the [Requirements](#Requirements) section below for more details. + +### Contents: + +- [About jGnash](#About) + + - [jGnash Features](#Features) + +- [Donations](#Donations) + +- [Support](#Support) + +- [Requirements](#Requirements) + + - [Java](#Reqs-Java) + + - [Supported Operating System versions](#Reqs-OS) + +- [Download jGnash](#Download) + +- [Installation](#Install) + +- [Running jGnash](#Running) + +- [Building and Development](#Development) + +## About jGnash + +### jGnash Features + +- Operates on any operating system with Java 11 or newer installed + +- Double Entry Accounting with reconciliation tools + +- OFX, QFX, mt940, and QIF import capabilities + +- Investment Accounts and automatic import of Stocks, Bond, and Funds price history + +- Nestable accounts with automatic rollup of totals and intelligent handling of mixed currencies + +- Reminders with automatic transaction entry + +- Intelligent handling of multiple currencies and exchange rates with automatic online exchange rate updates + +- Printable reports with PDF and spreadsheet export capability + +- XML, Binary, and multiple relational database file formats + +- Supports concurrent multiple users over a network + +To learn more about the features of jGnash, visit the [jGnash Website](https://sourceforge.net/projects/jgnash/). + +The jGnash download includes a user manual to help get you started with the basics if you are new to tracking finances. It also covers some of the more subtle features, command line options, and shortcuts that are not immediately obvious. + +The latest version of jGnash uses **OpenJFX** for the user interface. This replaces the old version that used Java Swing for the user interface. Experienced jGnash users will notice interface improvements. For example, try using the vertical and horizontal scroll wheels in a date picker, and the collapsible transaction forms. + +## Donations + +Donations are always welcome and appreciated. This helps to defer the cost of computer hardware and internet access. + +[![PayPal](https://img.shields.io/badge/Donate-PayPal-green.svg)](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TYN4QECUL5C44) + +## Support + +The **[jGnash Help Group](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/jgnash-user)** is always a good source if you need help and **is the prefered method of contact.** Your first post to the group will be moderated to filter spam. + +Please use the search tool to check for similar questions. + +The preferred method of reporting bugs is to use the [Github Issue tracker](https://github.com/ccavanaugh/jgnash/issues). + +## Requirements + +### 1. Java + +Java 11 or newer is required to run jGnash. Unless you have a specific need for a newer version, Java 11 is currently recommended. + +Use of a prebuilt installer is recommended. + +- [Azul OpenJDK 11](https://www.azul.com/downloads/zulu/) is a branded release that will be easiest to install for most users and is free to use. + +- [AdoptOpenJDK](https://adoptopenjdk.net/index.html?variant=openjdk11&jvmVariant=hotspot) will require manual installation but allows more flexibility and is free to use. + +- [https://jdk.java.net/11 (OpenJDK)/](https://jdk.java.net/11/) will require manual installation and is free to use. + +- [Oracle Java SE 11](https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html) will require manual installation and licensing is required. + +
+Note
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+When performing a manual installation of Java, The JAVA_HOME Environment Variable must be set. Also, the Java bin directory must be added to the execution path. | +
+Note
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+If you have multiple versions of Java installed on your system, The JAVA_HOME Environment Variable must be set to Java 11 or newer and the related Java bin directory must be the only version in the execution path. Mixing JVM and JDK versions will confuse the bootloader. | +
+Note
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+jGnash is not compatible with GCJ pre-installed on older Linux distributions. You will need to install OpenJDK 11 for jGnash to operate correctly. | +
+Note
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+jGnash will need to be restarted after the first launch of a new version. Operating System specific files are download and a restart is required for correct operation. | +
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+Depending on your OS (almost always Windows and OSX) the JCE Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files for Java are needed for the unit tests to complete correctly. If you do not want to install these files or are restricted by your locale, modify the test build or disable tests. jGnash uses encryption for client / server communication and unit tests are performed to prevent regressions. | +