;doc:Account names: edits

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Simon Michael 2025-09-22 10:27:14 -10:00
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@ -1447,13 +1447,23 @@ Note the **two or more spaces** delimiter that's sometimes required after accoun
hledger's account names, inherited from Ledger, are very permissive;
they may contain pretty much any kind of text, including single spaces and semicolons.
Because of this, they must be terminated by **two or more spaces** if there is anything following them on the same line.
For example, if an amount (`$10`), a balance assignment (`=$1000`), or a same-line comment (`; comment`)
For example, if an amount, balance assignment, or same-line comment
follows an account name, they must be preceded by two or more spaces,
else they would be considered part of the account name.
else they would be considered part of the account name:
```journal
assets:checking $10 ; <- 2+ spaces between assets:checking and $
```
```journal
assets:checking =$1000 ; <- 2+ spaces between assets:checking and =
```
```journal
assets:checking ; comment ; <- 2+ spaces between assets:checking and ;
```
This two-space delimiter appears in a few places in hledger:
eg in postings, in account directives, and in period expressions.
At the start it's easy to forget - expect it to catch you out at least once - but it soon becomes familiar.
When starting out it's easy to forget - expect it to catch you out at least once.
### Account hierarchy