Linux less command

When going through large text files usually the Linux cat command won’t do. This is where you can use the Linux less command instead. It is more of a predecessor and there are several jokes on the theme. This is featured on the cover of “Unix and Linux System Administration Handbook” and there’s also the joke: “I though you were more of a guy/gal”. We’ll show some basic usage of the Linux less command in this article.

Using less to view file’s contents

less myTextFile.txt

Using less as a pipe from output

cat largeTextFile.txt | less

While in less you’re actually in a different “mode” so to say, there are many shortcuts you can use to navigate back and forth, to view them you can use the help page

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Using the Linux less command Help options

less --help

To exit less just press q

Master your Linux knowledge using our articles on Linux Commands – List of Top Linux commands for Beginners and Experts. Use our SSH Shared Hosting Plans, SSD VPS machines or Linux Dedicated Servers to start your online projects within minutes.