Double entry accounting is a method of recording financial transactions in which every transaction is recorded in two accounts: one account is debited and another is credited. This means that for every debit entry (money going out of an account), there must be a corresponding credit entry (money coming into an account), and vice versa. The purpose of double entry accounting is to ensure accuracy and provide a clear and complete record of all financial transactions. This helps to prevent errors and fraud, and allows for easy reconciliation and tracking of financial information.