Cloning SQL-Ledger dataset

Sometimes you need to create a new dataset with exact same customers, vendors, items, chart etc. from an existing dataset.

There are two ways to do that:

1. Create a blank data set, export data from existing data and then import it again in the new dataset using Import feature.
2. Create new dataset using existing dataset as template and make adjustments.

Below I am describing second method step-by-step as gives you more accurate final results avoiding all data import issues. You need to be familiar with Linux command line as well as PostgreSQL’s psql command line too.

1. First create new dataset using admin.pl so that new admin user is added in users/members file as well as templates folder is created. Selection of chart etc. during creation does not matter as we shall remove this database and will create again making copy of existing one.
2. Remove the database you created above using “dropdb -U sql-ledger your-new-dbname”
3. Recreate new database using existing database as template: “createdb -U sql-ledger your-new-dbname -T your-existing-dbname”
4. Remove transactions from newly clone database using these psql commands: “delete from ar; delete from ap; delete from gl; delete from oe; delete from invoice; delete from inventory; delete from dpt_trans; delete from acc_trans; delete from audittrail; delete from payment;”
5. Reset document numbers in System–Defaults menu.

As always, backup everything first. If you run into any problem, you can post your issue in our support forum referencing this post to get help.