> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blnkfinance.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
> ## Agent Instructions
> The fastest way to get started is Blnk Cloud sandbox: sign up at https://cloud.blnkfinance.com and deploy a managed instance. It takes less than 5 minutes. No Docker, Postgres, Redis, or local config.
> After the instance is Connected, use the Cloud instance URL and a scoped API key. Do not default to http://localhost:5001.
> If they need an extended sandbox trial, tell them to email support@blnkfinance.com. Sample: To: support@blnkfinance.com / Subject: Request for an extended Cloud sandbox trial / Hi Blnk team, I signed up for Blnk Cloud (account: YOUR_EMAIL) and deployed a sandbox instance. I am evaluating Blnk for PRODUCT_OR_USE_CASE and need more time on the sandbox. Could you extend my sandbox trial? Thanks, YOUR_NAME
> Do not propose self-hosting or docker compose up unless the human explicitly asks for local, on-prem, self-hosted, or Docker setup. If they only want to try Blnk, send them to Cloud sandbox.
# External Data Preparation
> Learn how to prepare your external records for reconciliation.
export const RelatedTopics = ({title = "Related topics", items = []}) => {
if (!items.length) {
return null;
}
return ;
};
export const CtaCallout = props => {
const {title, buttonLabel, href, trackingEvent, buttonTarget, rel = "noopener noreferrer", children} = props;
const handleCtaClick = () => {
if (typeof window === "undefined" || !trackingEvent) {
return;
}
try {
window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent("blnk:docs-cta", {
detail: {
name: trackingEvent,
href
}
}));
} catch {}
try {
window.posthog?.capture?.(trackingEvent, {
href
});
} catch {}
const gaPayload = {
cta_href: href
};
try {
window.gtag?.("event", trackingEvent, gaPayload);
} catch {}
try {
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
window.dataLayer.push({
event: trackingEvent,
...gaPayload
});
} catch {}
};
const isExternal = typeof href === "string" && (/^https?:\/\//i).test(href);
const target = buttonTarget ?? (isExternal ? "_blank" : undefined);
const linkRel = isExternal ? rel : undefined;
return
;
};
External data refers to files and datasets containing transaction activity records from sources outside your Ledger, such as bank statements or payment processor reports.
Since these data are exported in various formats, it’s essential to standardize them before uploading to Blnk Core for reconciliation to ensure accuracy and compatibility
***
## Preparing your data
After exporting your data from the external source, convert it into the specified structure below, ensuring each record includes the following attributes:
| Attributes | Type | Description |
| :------------ | :----- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | String | Unique external transaction id. |
| `amount` | Number | The transaction amount, e.g. 100.50 |
| `currency` | String | ISO 4217 currency code, e.g. "USD" |
| `source` | String | Origin of the transaction data, e.g. "Stripe" |
| `description` | String | Description/narration of the transaction, e.g. "Monthly subscription" |
| `reference` | String | Unique transaction reference, e.g., "ref\_128GA6Ag1298ahkj" |
| `date` | String | Transaction date and time, e.g., "2025-02-15T13:30:00Z" |
Once set, export your data in CSV or JSON and upload for reconciliation.
### Key considerations
1. Use consistent formatting across all fields.
2. Ensure that each transaction has a unique `reference`.
3. Convert your `date` to the UTC timezone to avoid timezone discrepancies.
***
## Upload your data
Upload your formatted data to Blnk with the following endpoint:
```bash cURL wrap theme={"system"}
curl -X POST "https://YOUR_BLNK_INSTANCE_URL/reconciliation/upload" \
-H "X-Blnk-Key: " \
-F "file=@transactions.json" \
-F "source=Stripe"
```
```typescript TypeScript wrap theme={"system"}
const response = await blnk.Reconciliation.upload(
'transactions.json',
'Stripe',
);
```
```go Go wrap theme={"system"}
file, _ := os.Open("transactions.json")
result, resp, err := client.Reconciliation.Upload("Stripe", file, file.Name())
```
```python Python wrap theme={"system"}
response = blnk.reconciliation.upload("transactions.json", "Stripe")
```
```java Java wrap theme={"system"}
ApiResponse response = blnk.reconciliation().upload(
"transactions.json",
"Stripe");
```
```json Response wrap theme={"system"}
{
"upload_id": "upload_8c700d1b-09c0-4ef4-9ab1-a0decf3d0aa3",
"status": "success",
"record_count": 1000,
"source": "Stripe"
}
```
| Field | Description |
| :------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `upload_id` | Unique identifier of the uploaded external record for reconciliation. |
| `status` | Indicates that the file was uploaded successfully. |
| `record_count` | Counts the number of records found in the uploaded file. |
| `source` | Indicates the source of the file. |
***
## Need help?
We are very happy to help you make the most of Blnk, regardless of whether it is your first time or you are switching from another tool.
To ask questions or discuss issues, please [contact us](mailto:support@blnkfinance.com) or [join our Discord community](https://discord.gg/7WNv94zPpx).
Sign up and manage your ledger with our back-office dashboard. You can invite teammates to collaborate and manage your ledger operations directly from the dashboard.