Published on April 3, 2024

Understanding the DJL Core Model

Write Financial Applications with Django Ledger

by Miguel Sanda

Miguel Sanda
Django Ledger Core Model

Hey there! Are you ready to embark on a deep dive into the world of Django Ledger? In this post, we'll explore the core model of Django Ledger, providing you with a solid foundation to start building financially-driven applications.

Whether you're new to the framework or looking for guidance on where to start, this is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable insights.

We'll be delving into the Django Ledger core model and its individual components, shedding light on each model's functionality. To complement this, a free guide covering the Django Ledger core model and other topics is available at miguelsanda.com/get-started.

Join us on the Discord channel dedicated to Django Ledger, where you'll have direct access to me and other community members. If you're new to this environment, we'll guide you through setting up your Jupiter lab server and exploring the Django Ledger folder to kick off our journey.

Stay tuned as we uncover the intricacies of the chart of account model, account model, transaction model, journal entry model, ledger model, and entity model. Each model plays a crucial role in shaping the robust and dynamic accounting system offered by Django Ledger. Get ready to expand your understanding of how these models interconnect and contribute to the overall framework and its capabilities.

So, grab your metaphorical diving gear as we prepare to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of Django Ledger. Let's get started!


Get your FREE Django Ledger get started guide HERE!


Starting Jupyter Lab Server

To start the Jupyter Lab server, navigate to the Django Ledger folder containing all project files and enter the development environment using 'pipenv shell'. Then, execute 'jupyter lab' to begin the server.

Navigating to Notebooks Folder

In the notebooks folder within Django Ledger, the first notebook to review is the Django Ledger core model, which provides an explanation of each model included in the project.

Reviewing Django Ledger Core Model Notebook

The Django Ledger core model notebook offers a brief overview of each model and its functionality, providing insight into the purpose of each one.

Django Ledger Core Model Overview

The Django Ledger core model consists of six different individual models. The first model is the chart of account, which serves as a container for account models and maintains a list of accounts.

Transaction and Journal Entry Model

The account model represents a bucket of money with a tracked balance over time, affected by credits and debits. It has a one-to-many relationship with the transaction model, which records the allocation of money to individual accounts via debits or credits. The journal entry model is responsible for validating transactions and maintaining financial reporting capabilities.

Ledger and Entity Model

The Ledger model sets Django Ledger apart as it is programmable, extensible, and independent. It can be associated with any entity in the financial system, and its transactions are independent from others. The Ledger model has a one-to-many relationship with the journal entry model. Lastly, the entity model represents the company or legal entity for which the accounting system is maintained.



Understanding the core models of Django Ledger is crucial for building a solid foundation in the accounting system. With the thorough explanation of the chart of accounts, account, transaction, journal entry, ledger, and entity models, we gain insight into the intricate workings of the double-entry accounting system.

Each model serves a unique purpose, contributing to the overall functionality and reliability of the financial reporting capabilities within the Django Ledger framework. This comprehensive understanding paves the way for efficient and accurate financial management, setting Django Ledger apart as a programmable, extensible, and independent unit of accounting.

Happy Coding!

Any Questions? Send me a Message!