conv: include original rows into a separate sheet to ignore, not on the main sheet at a specific column about bittytax

[aleqx]

I'll probably implement this in my fork soon (i need extra column functionality for other things).

[nanonano]

I don't think it's a good idea to separate the transactions records from the raw data, it's important that users can compare the data for errors easily, and also makes it more auditable.

The note column is free format and optional (if you don't have raw data included), so BittyTax will still process your old transaction records, albeit the transaction note will pick up the first column of your raw data, but it won't impact the calculations.

If you want to use the Note column you can insert at column M in Excel, that's all that's needed. When Excel integration comes it will be easy to have a macro do this for all worksheets, so don't see it as a problem going forward, the transaction record is not likely to change very often, this is the first time in nearly 2 years!

Having worksheets which are ignored by BittyTax is a good idea, ones which are used for your own calculations. This could be done with specific name prefix as you suggest. I will put this on the TODO list.

[aleqx]

That's not true - my previously converted files failed in the new BT version, as the rows are empty apart from the note field, so BT complains about missing types/quantities/etc and errors out. I had to redo them and it was painful -- many times people have edited them by hand to correct things, so re-conversion isn't ideal.

I don't quite understand the argument about easily comparing for error -- it can be easily done if it's in a different sheet. It's the same spreadsheet, just two different sheets.

Adding more columns in the future is prone to backwards incompatibility. It's not about how often it changes but how disruptive it is when it does change. I for one see scope for more column additions, e.g. deal with joint accounts, deal with transaction flags (refunds, reverted transactions), etc.

Using a separate sheet in the same spreadsheet has virtually only upsides and no downsides, as far as I can see

• would be better visually, since right now the old rows are so far to the right that I barely get to see much of them, having to scroll left and right repetitively, which is harder than flipping between two sheets with a click of a mouse.
• future proof, backwards compatible
• flexible regarding column additions

I'll probably implement it in my fork and see if it feels like I predicted above.

[nanonano]

I'm going to close this issue, now the bug is captured by #75.

[aleqx]

I meant this issue to be about separate sheets for ignored and original data though