freeCodeCamp/guide/english/bash/bash-less/index.md

title
Bash Less

Bash command: less

The less command is a way to easily view files. Similar to the more command but with easier navigation.

Usage

less <file name>

Commonly used options:

• Typically less is used with no options

Examples

View the /etc/hosts file

less /etc/hosts

Options used while viewing a file

• q - Exit viewing.
• shift^g - Navigate to the bottom of the file.
• g - Navigate to the top of the file.
• / - Search down from current screen. Note you have to type some text and hit enter to complete the search.
• ? - Search up from current screen.
• n - Used while searching to go to the next result. This works while searching up and down the file.

More Information

• Run man less for further details on the less command.
• Wikipedia