---
syntax: markdown
tags: [tldr, common]
source: https://github.com/tldr-pages/tldr.git
---
# less

> Open a file for interactive reading, allowing scrolling and search.
> More information: <https://manned.org/less>.

- Open a file for interactive reading:

`less {{path/to/source_file}}`

- Page down/up:

`{{<Space>|<b>}}`

- Go to end/start of file:

`{{<G>|<g>}}`

- Forward search for a string (press `<n>`/`<N>` to go to next/previous match):

`</>{{pattern}}`

- Backward search for a string (press `<n>`/`<N>` to go to next/previous match):

`<?>{{pattern}}`

- Follow the output of the currently opened file:

`<F>`

- Open the current file in an editor:

`<v>`

- Exit:

`<q>`