unit.texi (1386B)
1 @anchor{unit_index} 2 @chapter Unit Index 3 4 The account unit index defines a base reference unit for all transactions in the ledger, aswell as a means to translate between units. 5 6 For each known unit, it defines the level of decimal precision a currency denominates itself. 7 8 Additionally, it defines conversion rates between different units and the base unit of account. These conversion rates may be defined statically, fixed to dates, or fixed to dates and time. This approach accommodates both pegged and floating unit conversions. 9 10 11 @section Semantic structure 12 13 A unit index defines a base unit of account, to which all conversion rates relates to. The base unit of account will have an effective conversion rate of 1.0. 14 15 16 @anchor{realvirt} 17 @subsection Real vs virtual 18 19 The XML representation of the unit index defines two different elements; @code{real} and @code{virt}. 20 21 Units using the @code{real} element are assets that are in @emph{custody} of the ledger owner, without an intermediary. This may include cash, metals or even self-custodied crypto. 22 23 The @code{virt} element is used to define unit balances that are in some way @emph{derivatives} of real assets, and/or in custody by another party than the legder owner. 24 25 Any asset may have both a @emph{real} and a @emph{virtual} entry. 26 27 The classification does not differentiate between levels of derivation of virtualization.