What is less Linux command?
The Linux less command is a powerful tool for viewing file contents in the terminal efficiently. It allows users to navigate through text files, search for specific content, and analyze lengthy documents with ease.
less Syntax:
Section titled “less Syntax:”less [option] [file]less Options:
Section titled “less Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -N | Display line numbers |
| -i | Ignore case when searching |
| -S | Truncate long lines |
| -F | Quit immediately if entire file can be displayed |
| -h, —help | Display help message |
Parameters:
Section titled “Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| file | The file to be viewed |
less Command Usage Examples:
Section titled “less Command Usage Examples:”Display contents of a file
Section titled “Display contents of a file”less file.txtThe command displays the contents of the “file.txt” for ease of reading.
Scroll down a file
Section titled “Scroll down a file”less file.txtTo scroll down a file, press the “Space” (PgDn) key.
Scroll up a file
Section titled “Scroll up a file”less file.txtTo scroll up a file, press the “b” (PgUp) key.
Search for a specific string
Section titled “Search for a specific string”less file.txtTo search for a specific string within a file, type “/search_term” followed by Enter.
Jump to a specific line number
Section titled “Jump to a specific line number”less file.txtTo jump to a specific line number within a file, type the line number followed by “g” and Enter.
How do I use less in Linux?
Section titled “How do I use less in Linux?”To use the less command in bash, execute the following command:
less file.txtHow can I search for a specific text in a file using less?
Section titled “How can I search for a specific text in a file using less?”To search for a specific text in a file using less, input the following command:
less file.txt/patternHow can I navigate to the end of a file quickly with less?
Section titled “How can I navigate to the end of a file quickly with less?”To navigate to the end of a file quickly with less, type the following command:
less file.txtShift + GHow can I display line numbers while viewing a file with less?
Section titled “How can I display line numbers while viewing a file with less?”To display line numbers while viewing a file with less, run the command:
less -N file.txtHow can I view multiple files in less with a single command?
Section titled “How can I view multiple files in less with a single command?”To view multiple files in less with a single command, use the following syntax:
less file1.txt file2.txtHow do I open a file with less in read-only mode?
Section titled “How do I open a file with less in read-only mode?”To open a file with less in read-only mode, use the following command:
less -R file.txtHow can I navigate horizontally in less when viewing a file with long lines?
Section titled “How can I navigate horizontally in less when viewing a file with long lines?”To navigate horizontally in less when viewing a file with long lines, execute the following command:
less -S file.txtHow do I exit less without viewing the entire file?
Section titled “How do I exit less without viewing the entire file?”To exit less without viewing the entire file, simply use the following command:
less +G file.txtApplications of the less command
Section titled “Applications of the less command”- Viewing the contents of a file
- Navigating through a file
- Searching for specific text within a file
- Handling large files more efficiently than with
catcommand - Allowing for backward navigation through a file