Which accounting method involves recording both the debit and credit parts of a transaction?

Double-entry accounting is a fundamental accounting method that involves recording every transaction in two accounts: once as a debit and once as a credit. This system ensures that the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) remains balanced, reflecting the dual nature of transactions. For each financial transaction, the total debits must equal the total credits, which helps in accurately maintaining financial records and detecting errors or fraud.

This method provides a more comprehensive view of a business's financial activities compared to single-entry accounting, where only one side of the transaction is recorded. Double-entry accounting also allows for better tracking of financial performance and position, facilitating more robust financial reporting and analysis. Additionally, this approach simplifies the preparation of financial statements, such as the balance sheet and income statement, which rely on a complete and accurate set of accounts.