version 1.1.1.2, 2003/04/13 18:21:21 |
version 1.1.1.3, 2011/09/16 17:47:06 |
|
|
.TH LESS 1 "Version 381: 17 Jan 2003" |
.TH LESS 1 "Version 444: 09 Jun 2011" |
.SH NAME |
.SH NAME |
less \- opposite of more |
less \- opposite of more |
.SH SYNOPSIS |
.SH SYNOPSIS |
.B "less -?" |
.B "less \-?" |
.br |
.br |
.B "less --help" |
.B "less \-\-help" |
.br |
.br |
.B "less -V" |
.B "less \-V" |
.br |
.br |
.B "less --version" |
.B "less \-\-version" |
.br |
.br |
.B "less [-[+]aBcCdeEfFgGiIJLmMnNqQrRsSuUVwWX~]" |
.B "less [\-[+]aABcCdeEfFgGiIJKLmMnNqQrRsSuUVwWX~]" |
.br |
.br |
.B " [-b \fIspace\fP] [-h \fIlines\fP] [-j \fIline\fP] [-k \fIkeyfile\fP]" |
.B " [\-b \fIspace\fP] [\-h \fIlines\fP] [\-j \fIline\fP] [\-k \fIkeyfile\fP]" |
.br |
.br |
.B " [-{oO} \fIlogfile\fP] [-p \fIpattern\fP] [-P \fIprompt\fP] [-t \fItag\fP]" |
.B " [\-{oO} \fIlogfile\fP] [\-p \fIpattern\fP] [\-P \fIprompt\fP] [\-t \fItag\fP]" |
.br |
.br |
.B " [-T \fItagsfile\fP] [-x \fItab\fP,...] [-y \fIlines\fP] [-[z] \fIlines\fP]" |
.B " [\-T \fItagsfile\fP] [\-x \fItab\fP,...] [\-y \fIlines\fP] [\-[z] \fIlines\fP]" |
.br |
.br |
.B " [-# \fIshift\fP] [+[+]\fIcmd\fP] [--] [\fIfilename\fP]..." |
.B " [\-# \fIshift\fP] [+[+]\fIcmd\fP] [\-\-] [\fIfilename\fP]..." |
.br |
.br |
(See the OPTIONS section for alternate option syntax with long option names.) |
(See the OPTIONS section for alternate option syntax with long option names.) |
|
|
|
|
Help: display a summary of these commands. |
Help: display a summary of these commands. |
If you forget all the other commands, remember this one. |
If you forget all the other commands, remember this one. |
.IP "SPACE or ^V or f or ^F" |
.IP "SPACE or ^V or f or ^F" |
Scroll forward N lines, default one window (see option -z below). |
Scroll forward N lines, default one window (see option \-z below). |
If N is more than the screen size, only the final screenful is displayed. |
If N is more than the screen size, only the final screenful is displayed. |
Warning: some systems use ^V as a special literalization character. |
Warning: some systems use ^V as a special literalization character. |
.IP "z" |
.IP "z" |
|
|
.IP "ESC-SPACE" |
.IP "ESC-SPACE" |
Like SPACE, but scrolls a full screenful, even if it reaches |
Like SPACE, but scrolls a full screenful, even if it reaches |
end-of-file in the process. |
end-of-file in the process. |
.IP "RETURN or ^N or e or ^E or j or ^J" |
.IP "ENTER or RETURN or ^N or e or ^E or j or ^J" |
Scroll forward N lines, default 1. |
Scroll forward N lines, default 1. |
The entire N lines are displayed, even if N is more than the screen size. |
The entire N lines are displayed, even if N is more than the screen size. |
.IP "d or ^D" |
.IP "d or ^D" |
|
|
If N is specified, it becomes the new default for |
If N is specified, it becomes the new default for |
subsequent d and u commands. |
subsequent d and u commands. |
.IP "b or ^B or ESC-v" |
.IP "b or ^B or ESC-v" |
Scroll backward N lines, default one window (see option -z below). |
Scroll backward N lines, default one window (see option \-z below). |
If N is more than the screen size, only the final screenful is displayed. |
If N is more than the screen size, only the final screenful is displayed. |
.IP "w" |
.IP "w" |
Like ESC-v, but if N is specified, it becomes the new window size. |
Like ESC-v, but if N is specified, it becomes the new window size. |
|
|
subsequent d and u commands. |
subsequent d and u commands. |
.IP "ESC-) or RIGHTARROW" |
.IP "ESC-) or RIGHTARROW" |
Scroll horizontally right N characters, default half the screen width |
Scroll horizontally right N characters, default half the screen width |
(see the -# option). |
(see the \-# option). |
If a number N is specified, it becomes the default for future RIGHTARROW |
If a number N is specified, it becomes the default for future RIGHTARROW |
and LEFTARROW commands. |
and LEFTARROW commands. |
While the text is scrolled, it acts as though the -S option |
While the text is scrolled, it acts as though the \-S option |
(chop lines) were in effect. |
(chop lines) were in effect. |
.IP "ESC-( or LEFTARROW" |
.IP "ESC-( or LEFTARROW" |
Scroll horizontally left N characters, default half the screen width |
Scroll horizontally left N characters, default half the screen width |
(see the -# option). |
(see the \-# option). |
If a number N is specified, it becomes the default for future RIGHTARROW |
If a number N is specified, it becomes the default for future RIGHTARROW |
and LEFTARROW commands. |
and LEFTARROW commands. |
.IP "r or ^R or ^L" |
.IP "r or ^R or ^L" |
|
|
Normally this command would be used when already at the end of the file. |
Normally this command would be used when already at the end of the file. |
It is a way to monitor the tail of a file which is growing |
It is a way to monitor the tail of a file which is growing |
while it is being viewed. |
while it is being viewed. |
(The behavior is similar to the "tail -f" command.) |
(The behavior is similar to the "tail \-f" command.) |
.IP "g or < or ESC-<" |
.IP "g or < or ESC-<" |
Go to line N in the file, default 1 (beginning of file). |
Go to line N in the file, default 1 (beginning of file). |
(Warning: this may be slow if N is large.) |
(Warning: this may be slow if N is large.) |
|
|
standard input, rather than a file, is being read.) |
standard input, rather than a file, is being read.) |
.IP "p or %" |
.IP "p or %" |
Go to a position N percent into the file. |
Go to a position N percent into the file. |
N should be between 0 and 100. |
N should be between 0 and 100, and may contain a decimal point. |
|
.IP "P" |
|
Go to the line containing byte offset N in the file. |
.IP "{" |
.IP "{" |
If a left curly bracket appears in the top line displayed |
If a left curly bracket appears in the top line displayed |
on the screen, |
on the screen, |
|
|
Search forward in the file for the N-th line containing the pattern. |
Search forward in the file for the N-th line containing the pattern. |
N defaults to 1. |
N defaults to 1. |
The pattern is a regular expression, as recognized by |
The pattern is a regular expression, as recognized by |
.I ed. |
the regular expression library supplied by your system. |
The search starts at the second line displayed |
The search starts at the first line displayed |
(but see the -a and -j options, which change this). |
(but see the \-a and \-j options, which change this). |
.sp |
.sp |
Certain characters are special |
Certain characters are special |
if entered at the beginning of the pattern; |
if entered at the beginning of the pattern; |
|
|
Begin the search at the first line of the FIRST file |
Begin the search at the first line of the FIRST file |
in the command line list, |
in the command line list, |
regardless of what is currently displayed on the screen |
regardless of what is currently displayed on the screen |
or the settings of the -a or -j options. |
or the settings of the \-a or \-j options. |
.IP "^K" |
.IP "^K" |
Highlight any text which matches the pattern on the current screen, |
Highlight any text which matches the pattern on the current screen, |
but don't move to the first match (KEEP current position). |
but don't move to the first match (KEEP current position). |
|
|
Begin the search at the last line of the last file |
Begin the search at the last line of the last file |
in the command line list, |
in the command line list, |
regardless of what is currently displayed on the screen |
regardless of what is currently displayed on the screen |
or the settings of the -a or -j options. |
or the settings of the \-a or \-j options. |
.IP "^K" |
.IP "^K" |
As in forward searches. |
As in forward searches. |
.IP "^R" |
.IP "^R" |
|
|
If highlighting is already off because of a previous ESC-u command, |
If highlighting is already off because of a previous ESC-u command, |
turn highlighting back on. |
turn highlighting back on. |
Any search command will also turn highlighting back on. |
Any search command will also turn highlighting back on. |
(Highlighting can also be disabled by toggling the -G option; |
(Highlighting can also be disabled by toggling the \-G option; |
in that case search commands do not turn highlighting back on.) |
in that case search commands do not turn highlighting back on.) |
|
.IP "&pattern" |
|
Display only lines which match the pattern; |
|
lines which do not match the pattern are not displayed. |
|
If pattern is empty (if you type & immediately followed by ENTER), |
|
any filtering is turned off, and all lines are displayed. |
|
While filtering is in effect, an ampersand is displayed at the |
|
beginning of the prompt, |
|
as a reminder that some lines in the file may be hidden. |
|
.sp |
|
Certain characters are special as in the / command: |
|
.RS |
|
.IP "^N or !" |
|
Display only lines which do NOT match the pattern. |
|
.IP "^R" |
|
Don't interpret regular expression metacharacters; |
|
that is, do a simple textual comparison. |
|
.RE |
.IP ":e [filename]" |
.IP ":e [filename]" |
Examine a new file. |
Examine a new file. |
If the filename is missing, the "current" file (see the :n and :p commands |
If the filename is missing, the "current" file (see the :n and :p commands |
|
|
the list of files and the first one is examined. |
the list of files and the first one is examined. |
If the filename contains one or more spaces, |
If the filename contains one or more spaces, |
the entire filename should be enclosed in double quotes |
the entire filename should be enclosed in double quotes |
(also see the -" option). |
(also see the \-" option). |
.IP "^X^V or E" |
.IP "^X^V or E" |
Same as :e. |
Same as :e. |
Warning: some systems use ^V as a special literalization character. |
Warning: some systems use ^V as a special literalization character. |
|
|
and print a message describing the new setting. |
and print a message describing the new setting. |
If a ^P (CONTROL-P) is entered immediately after the dash, |
If a ^P (CONTROL-P) is entered immediately after the dash, |
the setting of the option is changed but no message is printed. |
the setting of the option is changed but no message is printed. |
If the option letter has a numeric value (such as -b or -h), |
If the option letter has a numeric value (such as \-b or \-h), |
or a string value (such as -P or -t), |
or a string value (such as \-P or \-t), |
a new value may be entered after the option letter. |
a new value may be entered after the option letter. |
If no new value is entered, a message describing |
If no new value is entered, a message describing |
the current setting is printed and nothing is changed. |
the current setting is printed and nothing is changed. |
.IP \-\- |
.IP \-\- |
Like the \- command, but takes a long option name (see OPTIONS below) |
Like the \- command, but takes a long option name (see OPTIONS below) |
rather than a single option letter. |
rather than a single option letter. |
You must press RETURN after typing the option name. |
You must press ENTER or RETURN after typing the option name. |
A ^P immediately after the second dash suppresses printing of a |
A ^P immediately after the second dash suppresses printing of a |
message describing the new setting, as in the \- command. |
message describing the new setting, as in the \- command. |
.IP \-+ |
.IP \-+ |
|
|
(Double underscore.) |
(Double underscore.) |
Like the _ (underscore) command, but takes a long option name |
Like the _ (underscore) command, but takes a long option name |
rather than a single option letter. |
rather than a single option letter. |
You must press RETURN after typing the option name. |
You must press ENTER or RETURN after typing the option name. |
.IP +cmd |
.IP +cmd |
Causes the specified cmd to be executed each time a new file is examined. |
Causes the specified cmd to be executed each time a new file is examined. |
For example, +G causes |
For example, +G causes |
|
|
or two dashes followed by a long option name. |
or two dashes followed by a long option name. |
A long option name may be abbreviated as long as |
A long option name may be abbreviated as long as |
the abbreviation is unambiguous. |
the abbreviation is unambiguous. |
For example, --quit-at-eof may be abbreviated --quit, but not |
For example, \-\-quit-at-eof may be abbreviated \-\-quit, but not |
--qui, since both --quit-at-eof and --quiet begin with --qui. |
--qui, since both \-\-quit-at-eof and \-\-quiet begin with \-\-qui. |
Some long option names are in uppercase, such as --QUIT-AT-EOF, as |
Some long option names are in uppercase, such as \-\-QUIT-AT-EOF, as |
distinct from --quit-at-eof. |
distinct from \-\-quit-at-eof. |
Such option names need only have their first letter capitalized; |
Such option names need only have their first letter capitalized; |
the remainder of the name may be in either case. |
the remainder of the name may be in either case. |
For example, --Quit-at-eof is equivalent to --QUIT-AT-EOF. |
For example, \-\-Quit-at-eof is equivalent to \-\-QUIT-AT-EOF. |
.PP |
.PP |
Options are also taken from the environment variable "LESS". |
Options are also taken from the environment variable "LESS". |
For example, |
For example, |
to avoid typing "less -options ..." each time |
to avoid typing "less \-options ..." each time |
.I less |
.I less |
is invoked, you might tell |
is invoked, you might tell |
.I csh: |
.I csh: |
|
|
to its default value on the command line by beginning the command |
to its default value on the command line by beginning the command |
line option with "\-+". |
line option with "\-+". |
.sp |
.sp |
For options like -P or -D which take a following string, |
For options like \-P or \-D which take a following string, |
a dollar sign ($) must be used to signal the end of the string. |
a dollar sign ($) must be used to signal the end of the string. |
For example, to set two -D options on MS-DOS, you must have |
For example, to set two \-D options on MS-DOS, you must have |
a dollar sign between them, like this: |
a dollar sign between them, like this: |
.sp |
.sp |
LESS="-Dn9.1$-Ds4.1" |
LESS="-Dn9.1$-Ds4.1" |
.sp |
.sp |
.IP "-? or --help" |
.IP "\-? or \-\-help" |
This option displays a summary of the commands accepted by |
This option displays a summary of the commands accepted by |
.I less |
.I less |
(the same as the h command). |
(the same as the h command). |
(Depending on how your shell interprets the question mark, |
(Depending on how your shell interprets the question mark, |
it may be necessary to quote the question mark, thus: "-\e?".) |
it may be necessary to quote the question mark, thus: "\-\e?".) |
.IP "-a or --search-skip-screen" |
.IP "\-a or \-\-search-skip-screen" |
Causes searches to start after the last line |
By default, forward searches start at the top of the displayed screen |
displayed on the screen, |
and backwards searches start at the bottom of the displayed screen |
|
(except for repeated searches invoked by the n or N commands, |
|
which start after or before the "target" line respectively; |
|
see the \-j option for more about the target line). |
|
The \-a option causes forward searches to instead start at |
|
the bottom of the screen |
|
and backward searches to start at the top of the screen, |
thus skipping all lines displayed on the screen. |
thus skipping all lines displayed on the screen. |
By default, searches start at the second line on the screen |
.IP "\-A or \-\-SEARCH-SKIP-SCREEN" |
(or after the last found line; see the -j option). |
Causes all forward searches (not just non-repeated searches) |
.IP "-b\fIn\fP or --buffers=\fIn\fP" |
to start just after the target line, and all backward searches |
|
to start just before the target line. |
|
Thus, forward searches will skip part of the displayed screen |
|
(from the first line up to and including the target line). |
|
Similarly backwards searches will skip the displayed screen |
|
from the last line up to and including the target line. |
|
This was the default behavior in less versions prior to 441. |
|
.IP "\-b\fIn\fP or \-\-buffers=\fIn\fP" |
Specifies the amount of buffer space |
Specifies the amount of buffer space |
.I less |
.I less |
will use for each file, in units of kilobytes (1024 bytes). |
will use for each file, in units of kilobytes (1024 bytes). |
By default 64K of buffer space is used for each file |
By default 64K of buffer space is used for each file |
(unless the file is a pipe; see the -B option). |
(unless the file is a pipe; see the \-B option). |
The -b option specifies instead that \fIn\fP kilobytes of |
The \-b option specifies instead that \fIn\fP kilobytes of |
buffer space should be used for each file. |
buffer space should be used for each file. |
If \fIn\fP is -1, buffer space is unlimited; that is, |
If \fIn\fP is \-1, buffer space is unlimited; that is, |
the entire file is read into memory. |
the entire file can be read into memory. |
.IP "-B or --auto-buffers" |
.IP "\-B or \-\-auto-buffers" |
By default, when data is read from a pipe, |
By default, when data is read from a pipe, |
buffers are allocated automatically as needed. |
buffers are allocated automatically as needed. |
If a large amount of data is read from the pipe, this can cause |
If a large amount of data is read from the pipe, this can cause |
a large amount of memory to be allocated. |
a large amount of memory to be allocated. |
The -B option disables this automatic allocation of buffers for pipes, |
The \-B option disables this automatic allocation of buffers for pipes, |
so that only 64K |
so that only 64K |
(or the amount of space specified by the -b option) |
(or the amount of space specified by the \-b option) |
is used for the pipe. |
is used for the pipe. |
Warning: use of -B can result in erroneous display, since only the |
Warning: use of \-B can result in erroneous display, since only the |
most recently viewed part of the file is kept in memory; |
most recently viewed part of the piped data is kept in memory; |
any earlier data is lost. |
any earlier data is lost. |
.IP "-c or --clear-screen" |
.IP "\-c or \-\-clear-screen" |
Causes full screen repaints to be painted from the top line down. |
Causes full screen repaints to be painted from the top line down. |
By default, |
By default, |
full screen repaints are done by scrolling from the bottom of the screen. |
full screen repaints are done by scrolling from the bottom of the screen. |
.IP "-C or --CLEAR-SCREEN" |
.IP "\-C or \-\-CLEAR-SCREEN" |
The -C option is like -c, but the screen is cleared before it is repainted. |
Same as \-c, for compatibility with older versions of |
.IP "-d or --dumb" |
.I less. |
The -d option suppresses the error message |
.IP "\-d or \-\-dumb" |
|
The \-d option suppresses the error message |
normally displayed if the terminal is dumb; |
normally displayed if the terminal is dumb; |
that is, lacks some important capability, |
that is, lacks some important capability, |
such as the ability to clear the screen or scroll backward. |
such as the ability to clear the screen or scroll backward. |
The -d option does not otherwise change the behavior of |
The \-d option does not otherwise change the behavior of |
.I less |
.I less |
on a dumb terminal. |
on a dumb terminal. |
.IP "-D\fBx\fP\fIcolor\fP or --color=\fBx\fP\fIcolor\fP" |
.IP "\-D\fBx\fP\fIcolor\fP or \-\-color=\fBx\fP\fIcolor\fP" |
[MS-DOS only] |
[MS-DOS only] |
Sets the color of the text displayed. |
Sets the color of the text displayed. |
\fBx\fP is a single character which selects the type of text whose color is |
\fBx\fP is a single character which selects the type of text whose color is |
|
|
\fIcolor\fP is a pair of numbers separated by a period. |
\fIcolor\fP is a pair of numbers separated by a period. |
The first number selects the foreground color and the second selects |
The first number selects the foreground color and the second selects |
the background color of the text. |
the background color of the text. |
A single number \fIN\fP is the same as \fIN.0\fP. |
A single number \fIN\fP is the same as \fIN.M\fP, |
.IP "-e or --quit-at-eof" |
where \fIM\fP is the normal background color. |
|
|
|
.IP "\-e or \-\-quit-at-eof" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to automatically exit |
to automatically exit |
|
|
By default, the only way to exit |
By default, the only way to exit |
.I less |
.I less |
is via the "q" command. |
is via the "q" command. |
.IP "-E or --QUIT-AT-EOF" |
.IP "\-E or \-\-QUIT-AT-EOF" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to automatically exit the first time it reaches end-of-file. |
to automatically exit the first time it reaches end-of-file. |
.IP "-f or --force" |
.IP "\-f or \-\-force" |
Forces non-regular files to be opened. |
Forces non-regular files to be opened. |
(A non-regular file is a directory or a device special file.) |
(A non-regular file is a directory or a device special file.) |
Also suppresses the warning message when a binary file is opened. |
Also suppresses the warning message when a binary file is opened. |
By default, |
By default, |
.I less |
.I less |
will refuse to open non-regular files. |
will refuse to open non-regular files. |
.IP "-F or --quit-if-one-screen" |
Note that some operating systems will not allow directories |
|
to be read, even if \-f is set. |
|
.IP "\-F or \-\-quit-if-one-screen" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to automatically exit |
to automatically exit |
if the entire file can be displayed on the first screen. |
if the entire file can be displayed on the first screen. |
.IP "-g or --hilite-search" |
.IP "\-g or \-\-hilite-search" |
Normally, |
Normally, |
.I less |
.I less |
will highlight ALL strings which match the last search command. |
will highlight ALL strings which match the last search command. |
The -g option changes this behavior to highlight only the particular string |
The \-g option changes this behavior to highlight only the particular string |
which was found by the last search command. |
which was found by the last search command. |
This can cause |
This can cause |
.I less |
.I less |
to run somewhat faster than the default. |
to run somewhat faster than the default. |
.IP "-G or --HILITE-SEARCH" |
.IP "\-G or \-\-HILITE-SEARCH" |
The -G option suppresses all highlighting of strings found by search commands. |
The \-G option suppresses all highlighting of strings found by search commands. |
.IP "-h\fIn\fP or ---max-back-scroll=\fIn\fP" |
.IP "\-h\fIn\fP or \-\-max-back-scroll=\fIn\fP" |
Specifies a maximum number of lines to scroll backward. |
Specifies a maximum number of lines to scroll backward. |
If it is necessary to scroll backward more than \fIn\fP lines, |
If it is necessary to scroll backward more than \fIn\fP lines, |
the screen is repainted in a forward direction instead. |
the screen is repainted in a forward direction instead. |
(If the terminal does not have the ability to scroll |
(If the terminal does not have the ability to scroll |
backward, -h0 is implied.) |
backward, \-h0 is implied.) |
.IP "-i or --ignore-case" |
.IP "\-i or \-\-ignore-case" |
Causes searches to ignore case; that is, |
Causes searches to ignore case; that is, |
uppercase and lowercase are considered identical. |
uppercase and lowercase are considered identical. |
This option is ignored if any uppercase letters |
This option is ignored if any uppercase letters |
appear in the search pattern; |
appear in the search pattern; |
in other words, |
in other words, |
if a pattern contains uppercase letters, then that search does not ignore case. |
if a pattern contains uppercase letters, then that search does not ignore case. |
.IP "-I or --IGNORE-CASE" |
.IP "\-I or \-\-IGNORE-CASE" |
Like -i, but searches ignore case even if |
Like \-i, but searches ignore case even if |
the pattern contains uppercase letters. |
the pattern contains uppercase letters. |
.IP "-j\fIn\fP or --jump-target=\fIn\fP" |
.IP "\-j\fIn\fP or \-\-jump-target=\fIn\fP" |
Specifies a line on the screen where the "target" line |
Specifies a line on the screen where the "target" line |
is to be positioned. |
is to be positioned. |
A target line is the object of a text search, |
The target line is the line specified by any command to |
tag search, jump to a line number, |
search for a pattern, jump to a line number, |
jump to a file percentage, or jump to a marked position. |
jump to a file percentage or jump to a tag. |
The screen line is specified by a number: the top line on the screen |
The screen line may be specified by a number: the top line on the screen |
is 1, the next is 2, and so on. |
is 1, the next is 2, and so on. |
The number may be negative to specify a line relative to the bottom |
The number may be negative to specify a line relative to the bottom |
of the screen: the bottom line on the screen is -1, the second |
of the screen: the bottom line on the screen is \-1, the second |
to the bottom is -2, and so on. |
to the bottom is \-2, and so on. |
If the -j option is used, searches begin at the line immediately |
Alternately, the screen line may be specified as a fraction of the height |
after the target line. |
of the screen, starting with a decimal point: .5 is in the middle of the |
For example, if "-j4" is used, the target line is the |
screen, .3 is three tenths down from the first line, and so on. |
fourth line on the screen, so searches begin at the fifth line |
If the line is specified as a fraction, the actual line number |
|
is recalculated if the terminal window is resized, so that the |
|
target line remains at the specified fraction of the screen height. |
|
If any form of the \-j option is used, |
|
forward searches begin at the line immediately after the target line, |
|
and backward searches begin at the target line, |
|
unless changed by \-a or \-A. |
|
For example, if "\-j4" is used, the target line is the |
|
fourth line on the screen, so forward searches begin at the fifth line |
on the screen. |
on the screen. |
.IP "-J or --status-column" |
.IP "\-J or \-\-status-column" |
Displays a status column at the left edge of the screen. |
Displays a status column at the left edge of the screen. |
The status column shows the lines that matched the current search. |
The status column shows the lines that matched the current search. |
The status column is also used if the -w or -W option is in effect. |
The status column is also used if the \-w or \-W option is in effect. |
.IP "-k\fIfilename\fP or --lesskey-file=\fIfilename\fP" |
.IP "\-k\fIfilename\fP or \-\-lesskey-file=\fIfilename\fP" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to open and interpret the named file as a |
to open and interpret the named file as a |
.I lesskey |
.I lesskey |
(1) file. |
(1) file. |
Multiple -k options may be specified. |
Multiple \-k options may be specified. |
If the LESSKEY or LESSKEY_SYSTEM environment variable is set, or |
If the LESSKEY or LESSKEY_SYSTEM environment variable is set, or |
if a lesskey file is found in a standard place (see KEY BINDINGS), |
if a lesskey file is found in a standard place (see KEY BINDINGS), |
it is also used as a |
it is also used as a |
.I lesskey |
.I lesskey |
file. |
file. |
.IP "-L or --no-lessopen" |
.IP "\-K or \-\-quit-on-intr" |
|
Causes |
|
.I less |
|
to exit immediately (with status 2) |
|
when an interrupt character (usually ^C) is typed. |
|
Normally, an interrupt character causes |
|
.I less |
|
to stop whatever it is doing and return to its command prompt. |
|
Note that use of this option makes it impossible to return to the |
|
command prompt from the "F" command. |
|
.IP "\-L or \-\-no-lessopen" |
Ignore the LESSOPEN environment variable |
Ignore the LESSOPEN environment variable |
(see the INPUT PREPROCESSOR section below). |
(see the INPUT PREPROCESSOR section below). |
This option can be set from within \fIless\fP, |
This option can be set from within \fIless\fP, |
but it will apply only to files opened subsequently, not to the |
but it will apply only to files opened subsequently, not to the |
file which is currently open. |
file which is currently open. |
.IP "-m or --long-prompt" |
.IP "\-m or \-\-long-prompt" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to prompt verbosely (like \fImore\fP), |
to prompt verbosely (like \fImore\fP), |
|
|
By default, |
By default, |
.I less |
.I less |
prompts with a colon. |
prompts with a colon. |
.IP "-M or --LONG-PROMPT" |
.IP "\-M or \-\-LONG-PROMPT" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to prompt even more verbosely than |
to prompt even more verbosely than |
.I more. |
.I more. |
.IP "-n or --line-numbers" |
.IP "\-n or \-\-line-numbers" |
Suppresses line numbers. |
Suppresses line numbers. |
The default (to use line numbers) may cause |
The default (to use line numbers) may cause |
.I less |
.I less |
to run more slowly in some cases, especially with a very large input file. |
to run more slowly in some cases, especially with a very large input file. |
Suppressing line numbers with the -n option will avoid this problem. |
Suppressing line numbers with the \-n option will avoid this problem. |
Using line numbers means: the line number will be displayed in the verbose |
Using line numbers means: the line number will be displayed in the verbose |
prompt and in the = command, |
prompt and in the = command, |
and the v command will pass the current line number to the editor |
and the v command will pass the current line number to the editor |
(see also the discussion of LESSEDIT in PROMPTS below). |
(see also the discussion of LESSEDIT in PROMPTS below). |
.IP "-N or --LINE-NUMBERS" |
.IP "\-N or \-\-LINE-NUMBERS" |
Causes a line number to be displayed at the beginning of |
Causes a line number to be displayed at the beginning of |
each line in the display. |
each line in the display. |
.IP "-o\fIfilename\fP or --log-file=\fIfilename\fP" |
.IP "\-o\fIfilename\fP or \-\-log-file=\fIfilename\fP" |
Causes |
Causes |
.I less |
.I less |
to copy its input to the named file as it is being viewed. |
to copy its input to the named file as it is being viewed. |
|
|
If the file already exists, |
If the file already exists, |
.I less |
.I less |
will ask for confirmation before overwriting it. |
will ask for confirmation before overwriting it. |
.IP "-O\fIfilename\fP or --LOG-FILE=\fIfilename\fP" |
.IP "\-O\fIfilename\fP or \-\-LOG-FILE=\fIfilename\fP" |
The -O option is like -o, but it will overwrite an existing |
The \-O option is like \-o, but it will overwrite an existing |
file without asking for confirmation. |
file without asking for confirmation. |
.sp |
.sp |
If no log file has been specified, |
If no log file has been specified, |
the -o and -O options can be used from within |
the \-o and \-O options can be used from within |
.I less |
.I less |
to specify a log file. |
to specify a log file. |
Without a file name, they will simply report the name of the log file. |
Without a file name, they will simply report the name of the log file. |
The "s" command is equivalent to specifying -o from within |
The "s" command is equivalent to specifying \-o from within |
.I less. |
.I less. |
.IP "-p\fIpattern\fP or --pattern=\fIpattern\fP" |
.IP "\-p\fIpattern\fP or \-\-pattern=\fIpattern\fP" |
The -p option on the command line is equivalent to |
The \-p option on the command line is equivalent to |
specifying +/\fIpattern\fP; |
specifying +/\fIpattern\fP; |
that is, it tells |
that is, it tells |
.I less |
.I less |
to start at the first occurrence of \fIpattern\fP in the file. |
to start at the first occurrence of \fIpattern\fP in the file. |
.IP "-P\fIprompt\fP or --prompt=\fIprompt\fP" |
.IP "\-P\fIprompt\fP or \-\-prompt=\fIprompt\fP" |
Provides a way to tailor the three prompt |
Provides a way to tailor the three prompt |
styles to your own preference. |
styles to your own preference. |
This option would normally be put in the LESS environment |
This option would normally be put in the LESS environment |
|
|
or be terminated by a dollar sign. |
or be terminated by a dollar sign. |
-Ps followed by a string changes the default (short) prompt |
-Ps followed by a string changes the default (short) prompt |
to that string. |
to that string. |
-Pm changes the medium (-m) prompt. |
-Pm changes the medium (\-m) prompt. |
-PM changes the long (-M) prompt. |
-PM changes the long (\-M) prompt. |
-Ph changes the prompt for the help screen. |
-Ph changes the prompt for the help screen. |
-P= changes the message printed by the = command. |
-P= changes the message printed by the = command. |
-Pw changes the message printed while waiting for data (in the F command). |
-Pw changes the message printed while waiting for data (in the F command). |
All prompt strings consist of a sequence of |
All prompt strings consist of a sequence of |
letters and special escape sequences. |
letters and special escape sequences. |
See the section on PROMPTS for more details. |
See the section on PROMPTS for more details. |
.IP "-q or --quiet or --silent" |
.IP "\-q or \-\-quiet or \-\-silent" |
Causes moderately "quiet" operation: |
Causes moderately "quiet" operation: |
the terminal bell is not rung |
the terminal bell is not rung |
if an attempt is made to scroll past the end of the file |
if an attempt is made to scroll past the end of the file |
|
|
The bell will be rung on certain other errors, |
The bell will be rung on certain other errors, |
such as typing an invalid character. |
such as typing an invalid character. |
The default is to ring the terminal bell in all such cases. |
The default is to ring the terminal bell in all such cases. |
.IP "-Q or --QUIET or --SILENT" |
.IP "\-Q or \-\-QUIET or \-\-SILENT" |
Causes totally "quiet" operation: |
Causes totally "quiet" operation: |
the terminal bell is never rung. |
the terminal bell is never rung. |
.IP "-r or --raw-control-chars" |
.IP "\-r or \-\-raw-control-chars" |
Causes "raw" control characters to be displayed. |
Causes "raw" control characters to be displayed. |
The default is to display control characters using the caret notation; |
The default is to display control characters using the caret notation; |
for example, a control-A (octal 001) is displayed as "^A". |
for example, a control-A (octal 001) is displayed as "^A". |
Warning: when the -r option is used, |
Warning: when the \-r option is used, |
.I less |
.I less |
cannot keep track of the actual appearance of the screen |
cannot keep track of the actual appearance of the screen |
(since this depends on how the screen responds to |
(since this depends on how the screen responds to |
each type of control character). |
each type of control character). |
Thus, various display problems may result, |
Thus, various display problems may result, |
such as long lines being split in the wrong place. |
such as long lines being split in the wrong place. |
.IP "-R or --RAW-CONTROL-CHARS" |
.IP "\-R or \-\-RAW-CONTROL-CHARS" |
Like -r, but tries to keep track of the screen appearance where possible. |
Like \-r, but only ANSI "color" escape sequences are output in "raw" form. |
This works only if the input consists of normal text and possibly some |
Unlike \-r, the screen appearance is maintained correctly in most cases. |
ANSI "color" escape sequences, which are sequences of the form: |
ANSI "color" escape sequences are sequences of the form: |
.sp |
.sp |
ESC [ ... m |
ESC [ ... m |
.sp |
.sp |
where the "..." is zero or more characters other than "m". |
where the "..." is zero or more color specification characters |
For the purpose of keeping track of screen appearance, |
For the purpose of keeping track of screen appearance, |
all control characters and all ANSI color escape sequences are |
ANSI color escape sequences are assumed to not move the cursor. |
assumed to not move the cursor. |
|
You can make |
You can make |
.I less |
.I less |
think that characters other than "m" can end ANSI color escape sequences |
think that characters other than "m" can end ANSI color escape sequences |
by setting the environment variable LESSANSIENDCHARS to the list of |
by setting the environment variable LESSANSIENDCHARS to the list of |
characters which can end a color escape sequence. |
characters which can end a color escape sequence. |
.IP "-s or --squeeze-blank-lines" |
And you can make |
|
.I less |
|
think that characters other than the standard ones may appear between |
|
the ESC and the m by setting the environment variable LESSANSIMIDCHARS |
|
to the list of characters which can appear. |
|
.IP "\-s or \-\-squeeze-blank-lines" |
Causes consecutive blank lines to be squeezed into a single blank line. |
Causes consecutive blank lines to be squeezed into a single blank line. |
This is useful when viewing |
This is useful when viewing |
.I nroff |
.I nroff |
output. |
output. |
.IP "-S or --chop-long-lines" |
.IP "\-S or \-\-chop-long-lines" |
Causes lines longer than the screen width to be |
Causes lines longer than the screen width to be |
chopped rather than folded. |
chopped rather than folded. |
That is, the portion of a long line that does not fit in |
That is, the portion of a long line that does not fit in |
the screen width is not shown. |
the screen width is not shown. |
The default is to fold long lines; that is, display the remainder |
The default is to fold long lines; that is, display the remainder |
on the next line. |
on the next line. |
.IP "-t\fItag\fP or --tag=\fItag\fP" |
.IP "\-t\fItag\fP or \-\-tag=\fItag\fP" |
The -t option, followed immediately by a TAG, |
The \-t option, followed immediately by a TAG, |
will edit the file containing that tag. |
will edit the file containing that tag. |
For this to work, tag information must be available; |
For this to work, tag information must be available; |
for example, there may be a file in the current directory called "tags", |
for example, there may be a file in the current directory called "tags", |
|
|
.I global |
.I global |
(1), and that command is executed to find the tag. |
(1), and that command is executed to find the tag. |
(See http://www.gnu.org/software/global/global.html). |
(See http://www.gnu.org/software/global/global.html). |
The -t option may also be specified from within |
The \-t option may also be specified from within |
.I less |
.I less |
(using the \- command) as a way of examining a new file. |
(using the \- command) as a way of examining a new file. |
The command ":t" is equivalent to specifying -t from within |
The command ":t" is equivalent to specifying \-t from within |
.I less. |
.I less. |
.IP "-T\fItagsfile\fP or --tag-file=\fItagsfile\fP" |
.IP "\-T\fItagsfile\fP or \-\-tag-file=\fItagsfile\fP" |
Specifies a tags file to be used instead of "tags". |
Specifies a tags file to be used instead of "tags". |
.IP "-u or --underline-special" |
.IP "\-u or \-\-underline-special" |
Causes backspaces and carriage returns to be treated as printable characters; |
Causes backspaces and carriage returns to be treated as printable characters; |
that is, they are sent to the terminal when they appear in the input. |
that is, they are sent to the terminal when they appear in the input. |
.IP "-U or --UNDERLINE-SPECIAL" |
.IP "\-U or \-\-UNDERLINE-SPECIAL" |
Causes backspaces, tabs and carriage returns to be |
Causes backspaces, tabs and carriage returns to be |
treated as control characters; |
treated as control characters; |
that is, they are handled as specified by the -r option. |
that is, they are handled as specified by the \-r option. |
.sp |
.sp |
By default, if neither -u nor -U is given, |
By default, if neither \-u nor \-U is given, |
backspaces which appear adjacent to an underscore character |
backspaces which appear adjacent to an underscore character |
are treated specially: |
are treated specially: |
the underlined text is displayed |
the underlined text is displayed |
|
|
using the terminal's hardware boldface capability. |
using the terminal's hardware boldface capability. |
Other backspaces are deleted, along with the preceding character. |
Other backspaces are deleted, along with the preceding character. |
Carriage returns immediately followed by a newline are deleted. |
Carriage returns immediately followed by a newline are deleted. |
other carriage returns are handled as specified by the -r option. |
other carriage returns are handled as specified by the \-r option. |
Text which is overstruck or underlined can be searched for |
Text which is overstruck or underlined can be searched for |
if neither -u nor -U is in effect. |
if neither \-u nor \-U is in effect. |
.IP "-V or --version" |
.IP "\-V or \-\-version" |
Displays the version number of |
Displays the version number of |
.I less. |
.I less. |
.IP "-w or --hilite-unread" |
.IP "\-w or \-\-hilite-unread" |
Temporarily highlights the first "new" line after a forward movement |
Temporarily highlights the first "new" line after a forward movement |
of a full page. |
of a full page. |
The first "new" line is the line immediately following the line previously |
The first "new" line is the line immediately following the line previously |
at the bottom of the screen. |
at the bottom of the screen. |
Also highlights the target line after a g or p command. |
Also highlights the target line after a g or p command. |
The highlight is removed at the next command which causes movement. |
The highlight is removed at the next command which causes movement. |
The entire line is highlighted, unless the -J option is in effect, |
The entire line is highlighted, unless the \-J option is in effect, |
in which case only the status column is highlighted. |
in which case only the status column is highlighted. |
.IP "-W or --HILITE-UNREAD" |
.IP "\-W or \-\-HILITE-UNREAD" |
Like -w, but temporarily highlights the first new line after any |
Like \-w, but temporarily highlights the first new line after any |
forward movement command larger than one line. |
forward movement command larger than one line. |
.IP "-x\fIn\fP,... or --tabs=\fIn\fP,..." |
.IP "\-x\fIn\fP,... or \-\-tabs=\fIn\fP,..." |
Sets tab stops. |
Sets tab stops. |
If only one \fIn\fP is specified, tab stops are set at multiples of \fIn\fP. |
If only one \fIn\fP is specified, tab stops are set at multiples of \fIn\fP. |
If multiple values separated by commas are specified, tab stops |
If multiple values separated by commas are specified, tab stops |
|
|
last two. |
last two. |
For example, \fI-x9,17\fP will set tabs at positions 9, 17, 25, 33, etc. |
For example, \fI-x9,17\fP will set tabs at positions 9, 17, 25, 33, etc. |
The default for \fIn\fP is 8. |
The default for \fIn\fP is 8. |
.IP "-X or --no-init" |
.IP "\-X or \-\-no-init" |
Disables sending the termcap initialization and deinitialization strings |
Disables sending the termcap initialization and deinitialization strings |
to the terminal. |
to the terminal. |
This is sometimes desirable if the deinitialization string does |
This is sometimes desirable if the deinitialization string does |
something unnecessary, like clearing the screen. |
something unnecessary, like clearing the screen. |
.IP "--no-keypad" |
.IP "\-y\fIn\fP or \-\-max-forw-scroll=\fIn\fP" |
Disables sending the keypad initialization and deinitialization strings |
|
to the terminal. |
|
This is sometimes useful if the keypad strings make the numeric |
|
keypad behave in an undesirable manner. |
|
.IP "-y\fIn\fP or --max-forw-scroll=\fIn\fP" |
|
Specifies a maximum number of lines to scroll forward. |
Specifies a maximum number of lines to scroll forward. |
If it is necessary to scroll forward more than \fIn\fP lines, |
If it is necessary to scroll forward more than \fIn\fP lines, |
the screen is repainted instead. |
the screen is repainted instead. |
The -c or -C option may be used to repaint from the top of |
The \-c or \-C option may be used to repaint from the top of |
the screen if desired. |
the screen if desired. |
By default, any forward movement causes scrolling. |
By default, any forward movement causes scrolling. |
.IP "-[z]\fIn\fP or --window=\fIn\fP" |
.IP "\-[z]\fIn\fP or \-\-window=\fIn\fP" |
Changes the default scrolling window size to \fIn\fP lines. |
Changes the default scrolling window size to \fIn\fP lines. |
The default is one screenful. |
The default is one screenful. |
The z and w commands can also be used to change the window size. |
The z and w commands can also be used to change the window size. |
The "z" may be omitted for compatibility with |
The "z" may be omitted for compatibility with some versions of |
.I more. |
.I more. |
If the number |
If the number |
.I n |
.I n |
is negative, it indicates |
is negative, it indicates |
.I n |
.I n |
lines less than the current screen size. |
lines less than the current screen size. |
For example, if the screen is 24 lines, \fI-z-4\fP sets the |
For example, if the screen is 24 lines, \fI\-z-4\fP sets the |
scrolling window to 20 lines. If the screen is resized to 40 lines, |
scrolling window to 20 lines. If the screen is resized to 40 lines, |
the scrolling window automatically changes to 36 lines. |
the scrolling window automatically changes to 36 lines. |
.IP "-\fI\(dqcc\fP\ or\ --quotes=\fIcc\fP" |
.IP "\-\fI\(dqcc\fP\ or\ \-\-quotes=\fIcc\fP" |
Changes the filename quoting character. |
Changes the filename quoting character. |
This may be necessary if you are trying to name a file |
This may be necessary if you are trying to name a file |
which contains both spaces and quote characters. |
which contains both spaces and quote characters. |
|
|
Filenames containing a space should then be preceded by the open quote |
Filenames containing a space should then be preceded by the open quote |
character and followed by the close quote character. |
character and followed by the close quote character. |
Note that even after the quote characters are changed, this option |
Note that even after the quote characters are changed, this option |
remains -" (a dash followed by a double quote). |
remains \-" (a dash followed by a double quote). |
.IP "-~ or --tilde" |
.IP "\-~ or \-\-tilde" |
Normally lines after end of file are displayed as a single tilde (~). |
Normally lines after end of file are displayed as a single tilde (~). |
This option causes lines after end of file to be displayed as blank lines. |
This option causes lines after end of file to be displayed as blank lines. |
.IP "-# or --shift" |
.IP "\-# or \-\-shift" |
Specifies the default number of positions to scroll horizontally |
Specifies the default number of positions to scroll horizontally |
in the RIGHTARROW and LEFTARROW commands. |
in the RIGHTARROW and LEFTARROW commands. |
If the number specified is zero, it sets the default number of |
If the number specified is zero, it sets the default number of |
positions to one half of the screen width. |
positions to one half of the screen width. |
.IP -- |
Alternately, the number may be specified as a fraction of the width |
A command line argument of "--" marks the end of option arguments. |
of the screen, starting with a decimal point: .5 is half of the |
|
screen width, .3 is three tenths of the screen width, and so on. |
|
If the number is specified as a fraction, the actual number of |
|
scroll positions is recalculated if the terminal window is resized, |
|
so that the actual scroll remains at the specified fraction |
|
of the screen width. |
|
.IP "\-\-no-keypad" |
|
Disables sending the keypad initialization and deinitialization strings |
|
to the terminal. |
|
This is sometimes useful if the keypad strings make the numeric |
|
keypad behave in an undesirable manner. |
|
.IP "\-\-follow-name" |
|
Normally, if the input file is renamed while an F command is executing, |
|
.I less |
|
will continue to display the contents of the original file despite |
|
its name change. |
|
If \-\-follow-name is specified, during an F command |
|
.I less |
|
will periodically attempt to reopen the file by name. |
|
If the reopen succeeds and the file is a different file from the original |
|
(which means that a new file has been created |
|
with the same name as the original (now renamed) file), |
|
.I less |
|
will display the contents of that new file. |
|
.IP \-\- |
|
A command line argument of "\-\-" marks the end of option arguments. |
Any arguments following this are interpreted as filenames. |
Any arguments following this are interpreted as filenames. |
This can be useful when viewing a file whose name begins with a "-" or "+". |
This can be useful when viewing a file whose name begins with a "\-" or "+". |
.IP + |
.IP + |
If a command line option begins with \fB+\fP, |
If a command line option begins with \fB+\fP, |
the remainder of that option is taken to be an initial command to |
the remainder of that option is taken to be an initial command to |
|
|
certain keys can be used to manipulate the command line. |
certain keys can be used to manipulate the command line. |
Most commands have an alternate form in [ brackets ] which can be used if |
Most commands have an alternate form in [ brackets ] which can be used if |
a key does not exist on a particular keyboard. |
a key does not exist on a particular keyboard. |
(The bracketed forms do not work in the MS-DOS version.) |
(Note that the forms beginning with ESC do not work |
|
in some MS-DOS and Windows systems because ESC is the line erase character.) |
Any of these special keys may be entered literally by preceding |
Any of these special keys may be entered literally by preceding |
it with the "literal" character, either ^V or ^A. |
it with the "literal" character, either ^V or ^A. |
A backslash itself may also be entered literally by entering two backslashes. |
A backslash itself may also be entered literally by entering two backslashes. |
|
|
or cancel the command if the command line is empty. |
or cancel the command if the command line is empty. |
If you have changed your line-kill character in Unix to something |
If you have changed your line-kill character in Unix to something |
other than ^U, that character is used instead of ^U. |
other than ^U, that character is used instead of ^U. |
|
.IP "^G" |
|
Delete the entire command line and return to the main prompt. |
|
|
.SH "KEY BINDINGS" |
.SH "KEY BINDINGS" |
You may define your own |
You may define your own |
|
|
.br |
.br |
case "$1" in |
case "$1" in |
.br |
.br |
*.Z) uncompress -c $1 >/tmp/less.$$ 2>/dev/null |
*.Z) uncompress -\c $1 >/tmp/less.$$ 2>/dev/null |
.br |
.br |
if [ -s /tmp/less.$$ ]; then |
if [ \-s /tmp/less.$$ ]; then |
.br |
.br |
echo /tmp/less.$$ |
echo /tmp/less.$$ |
.br |
.br |
else |
else |
.br |
.br |
rm -f /tmp/less.$$ |
rm \-f /tmp/less.$$ |
.br |
.br |
fi |
fi |
.br |
.br |
|
|
.br |
.br |
case "$1" in |
case "$1" in |
.br |
.br |
*.Z) uncompress -c $1 2>/dev/null |
*.Z) uncompress \-c $1 2>/dev/null |
.br |
.br |
;; |
;; |
.br |
.br |
|
|
but it is usually not necessary since there is no replacement file |
but it is usually not necessary since there is no replacement file |
to clean up. |
to clean up. |
In this case, the replacement file name passed to the LESSCLOSE |
In this case, the replacement file name passed to the LESSCLOSE |
postprocessor is "-". |
postprocessor is "\-". |
|
.PP |
|
For compatibility with previous versions of |
|
.I less, |
|
the input preprocessor or pipe is not used if |
|
.I less |
|
is viewing standard input. |
|
However, if the first character of LESSOPEN is a dash (\-), |
|
the input preprocessor is used on standard input as well as other files. |
|
In this case, the dash is not considered to be part of |
|
the preprocessor command. |
|
If standard input is being viewed, the input preprocessor is passed |
|
a file name consisting of a single dash. |
|
Similarly, if the first two characters of LESSOPEN are vertical bar and dash |
|
(|\-), the input pipe is used on standard input as well as other files. |
|
Again, in this case the dash is not considered to be part of |
|
the input pipe command. |
|
|
.SH "NATIONAL CHARACTER SETS" |
.SH "NATIONAL CHARACTER SETS" |
There are three types of characters in the input file: |
There are three types of characters in the input file: |
|
|
Selects a character set appropriate for NeXT computers. |
Selects a character set appropriate for NeXT computers. |
.IP utf-8 |
.IP utf-8 |
Selects the UTF-8 encoding of the ISO 10646 character set. |
Selects the UTF-8 encoding of the ISO 10646 character set. |
|
UTF-8 is special in that it supports multi-byte characters in the input file. |
|
It is the only character set that supports multi-byte characters. |
|
.IP windows |
|
Selects a character set appropriate for Microsoft Windows (cp 1251). |
.PP |
.PP |
In special cases, it may be desired to tailor |
In rare cases, it may be desired to tailor |
.I less |
.I less |
to use a character set other than the ones definable by LESSCHARSET. |
to use a character set other than the ones definable by LESSCHARSET. |
In this case, the environment variable LESSCHARDEF can be used |
In this case, the environment variable LESSCHARDEF can be used |
|
|
next\ \ 8bcccbcc18b95.bb125.bb |
next\ \ 8bcccbcc18b95.bb125.bb |
.PP |
.PP |
If neither LESSCHARSET nor LESSCHARDEF is set, |
If neither LESSCHARSET nor LESSCHARDEF is set, |
but the string "UTF-8" is found in the LC_ALL, LC_TYPE or LANG |
but any of the strings "UTF-8", "UTF8", "utf-8" or "utf8" |
|
is found in the LC_ALL, LC_CTYPE or LANG |
environment variables, then the default character set is utf-8. |
environment variables, then the default character set is utf-8. |
.PP |
.PP |
If that string is not found, but your system supports the |
If that string is not found, but your system supports the |
|
|
printf-style escape sequence (a % followed by x, X, o, d, etc.). |
printf-style escape sequence (a % followed by x, X, o, d, etc.). |
For example, if LESSBINFMT is "*u[%x]", binary characters |
For example, if LESSBINFMT is "*u[%x]", binary characters |
are displayed in underlined hexadecimal surrounded by brackets. |
are displayed in underlined hexadecimal surrounded by brackets. |
The default if no LESSBINFMT is specified is "*s<%X>". |
The default if no LESSBINFMT is specified is "*s<%02X>". |
|
Warning: the result of expanding the character via LESSBINFMT must |
|
be less than 31 characters. |
|
.PP |
|
When the character set is utf-8, the LESSUTFBINFMT environment variable |
|
acts similarly to LESSBINFMT but it applies to Unicode code points |
|
that were successfully decoded but are unsuitable for display (e.g., |
|
unassigned code points). |
|
Its default value is "<U+%04lX>". |
|
Note that LESSUTFBINFMT and LESSBINFMT share their display attribute |
|
setting ("*x") so specifying one will affect both; |
|
LESSUTFBINFMT is read after LESSBINFMT so its setting, if any, |
|
will have priority. |
|
Problematic octets in a UTF-8 file (octets of a truncated sequence, |
|
octets of a complete but non-shortest form sequence, illegal octets, |
|
and stray trailing octets) |
|
are displayed individually using LESSBINFMT so as to facilitate diagnostic |
|
of how the UTF-8 file is ill-formed. |
|
|
.SH "PROMPTS" |
.SH "PROMPTS" |
The -P option allows you to tailor the prompt to your preference. |
The \-P option allows you to tailor the prompt to your preference. |
The string given to the -P option replaces the specified prompt string. |
The string given to the \-P option replaces the specified prompt string. |
Certain characters in the string are interpreted specially. |
Certain characters in the string are interpreted specially. |
The prompt mechanism is rather complicated to provide flexibility, |
The prompt mechanism is rather complicated to provide flexibility, |
but the ordinary user need not understand the details of constructing |
but the ordinary user need not understand the details of constructing |
|
|
an "m" means use the middle line, |
an "m" means use the middle line, |
a "b" means use the bottom line, |
a "b" means use the bottom line, |
a "B" means use the line just after the bottom line, |
a "B" means use the line just after the bottom line, |
and a "j" means use the "target" line, as specified by the -j option. |
and a "j" means use the "target" line, as specified by the \-j option. |
.IP "%B" |
.IP "%B" |
Replaced by the size of the current input file. |
Replaced by the size of the current input file. |
.IP "%c" |
.IP "%c" |
|
|
See the discussion of the LESSEDIT feature below. |
See the discussion of the LESSEDIT feature below. |
.IP "%f" |
.IP "%f" |
Replaced by the name of the current input file. |
Replaced by the name of the current input file. |
|
.IP "%F" |
|
Replaced by the last component of the name of the current input file. |
.IP "%i" |
.IP "%i" |
Replaced by the index of the current file in the list of |
Replaced by the index of the current file in the list of |
input files. |
input files. |
|
|
Finally, any trailing spaces are truncated. |
Finally, any trailing spaces are truncated. |
This is the default prompt. |
This is the default prompt. |
For reference, here are the defaults for |
For reference, here are the defaults for |
the other two prompts (-m and -M respectively). |
the other two prompts (\-m and \-M respectively). |
Each is broken into two lines here for readability only. |
Each is broken into two lines here for readability only. |
.nf |
.nf |
.sp |
.sp |
|
|
the examine command. |
the examine command. |
.IP "v" |
.IP "v" |
the editing command |
the editing command |
.IP "s -o" |
.IP "s \-o" |
log files |
log files |
.IP "-k" |
.IP "\-k" |
use of lesskey files |
use of lesskey files |
.IP "-t" |
.IP "\-t" |
use of tags files |
use of tags files |
.IP " " |
.IP " " |
metacharacters in filenames, such as * |
metacharacters in filenames, such as * |
|
|
.PP |
.PP |
Less can also be compiled to be permanently in "secure" mode. |
Less can also be compiled to be permanently in "secure" mode. |
|
|
|
.SH "COMPATIBILITY WITH MORE" |
|
If the environment variable LESS_IS_MORE is set to 1, |
|
or if the program is invoked via a file link named "more", |
|
.I less |
|
behaves (mostly) in conformance with the POSIX "more" command specification. |
|
In this mode, less behaves differently in these ways: |
|
.PP |
|
The \-e option works differently. |
|
If the \-e option is not set, |
|
.I less |
|
behaves as if the \-E option were set. |
|
If the \-e option is set, |
|
.I less |
|
behaves as if the \-e and \-F options were set. |
|
.PP |
|
The \-m option works differently. |
|
If the \-m option is not set, the medium prompt is used, |
|
and it is prefixed with the string "--More--". |
|
If the \-m option is set, the short prompt is used. |
|
.PP |
|
The \-n option acts like the \-z option. |
|
The normal behavior of the \-n option is unavailable in this mode. |
|
.PP |
|
The parameter to the \-p option is taken to be a |
|
.I less |
|
command rather than a search pattern. |
|
.PP |
|
The LESS environment variable is ignored, |
|
and the MORE environment variable is used in its place. |
|
|
.SH "ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES" |
.SH "ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES" |
Environment variables may be specified either in the system environment |
Environment variables may be specified either in the system environment |
as usual, or in a |
as usual, or in a |
|
|
.I less |
.I less |
automatically. |
automatically. |
.IP LESSANSIENDCHARS |
.IP LESSANSIENDCHARS |
Characters which are assumed to end an ANSI color escape sequence |
Characters which may end an ANSI color escape sequence |
(default "m"). |
(default "m"). |
|
.IP LESSANSIMIDCHARS |
|
Characters which may appear between the ESC character and the |
|
end character in an ANSI color escape sequence |
|
(default "0123456789;[?!"'#%()*+\ ". |
.IP LESSBINFMT |
.IP LESSBINFMT |
Format for displaying non-printable, non-control characters. |
Format for displaying non-printable, non-control characters. |
.IP LESSCHARDEF |
.IP LESSCHARDEF |
|
|
Editor prototype string (used for the v command). |
Editor prototype string (used for the v command). |
See discussion under PROMPTS. |
See discussion under PROMPTS. |
.IP LESSGLOBALTAGS |
.IP LESSGLOBALTAGS |
Name of the command used by the -t option to find global tags. |
Name of the command used by the \-t option to find global tags. |
Normally should be set to "global" if your system has the |
Normally should be set to "global" if your system has the |
.I global |
.I global |
(1) command. If not set, global tags are not used. |
(1) command. If not set, global tags are not used. |
|
.IP LESSHISTFILE |
|
Name of the history file used to remember search commands and |
|
shell commands between invocations of |
|
.I less. |
|
If set to "\-" or "/dev/null", a history file is not used. |
|
The default is "$HOME/.lesshst" on Unix systems, "$HOME/_lesshst" on |
|
DOS and Windows systems, or "$HOME/lesshst.ini" or "$INIT/lesshst.ini" |
|
on OS/2 systems. |
|
.IP LESSHISTSIZE |
|
The maximum number of commands to save in the history file. |
|
The default is 100. |
.IP LESSKEY |
.IP LESSKEY |
Name of the default lesskey(1) file. |
Name of the default lesskey(1) file. |
.IP LESSKEY_SYSTEM |
.IP LESSKEY_SYSTEM |
|
|
See discussion under SECURITY. |
See discussion under SECURITY. |
.IP LESSSEPARATOR |
.IP LESSSEPARATOR |
String to be appended to a directory name in filename completion. |
String to be appended to a directory name in filename completion. |
|
.IP LESSUTFBINFMT |
|
Format for displaying non-printable Unicode code points. |
|
.IP LESS_IS_MORE |
|
Emulate the |
|
.I more |
|
(1) command. |
.IP LINES |
.IP LINES |
Sets the number of lines on the screen. |
Sets the number of lines on the screen. |
Takes precedence over the number of lines specified by the TERM variable. |
Takes precedence over the number of lines specified by the TERM variable. |
|
|
.SH "SEE ALSO" |
.SH "SEE ALSO" |
lesskey(1) |
lesskey(1) |
|
|
.SH WARNINGS |
|
The = command and prompts (unless changed by -P) |
|
report the line numbers of the lines at the top and bottom of the screen, |
|
but the byte and percent of the line after the one at the bottom of the screen. |
|
.PP |
|
If the :e command is used to name more than one file, |
|
and one of the named files has been viewed previously, |
|
the new files may be entered into the list in an unexpected order. |
|
.PP |
|
On certain older terminals (the so-called "magic cookie" terminals), |
|
search highlighting will cause an erroneous display. |
|
On such terminals, search highlighting is disabled by default |
|
to avoid possible problems. |
|
.PP |
|
In certain cases, when search highlighting is enabled and |
|
a search pattern begins with a ^, |
|
more text than the matching string may be highlighted. |
|
(This problem does not occur when less is compiled to use the POSIX |
|
regular expression package.) |
|
.PP |
|
When viewing text containing ANSI color escape sequences using the -R option, |
|
searching will not find text containing an embedded escape sequence. |
|
Also, search highlighting may change the color of some of the text |
|
which follows the highlighted text. |
|
.PP |
|
On some systems, |
|
.I setlocale |
|
claims that ASCII characters 0 thru 31 are control characters |
|
rather than binary characters. |
|
This causes |
|
.I less |
|
to treat some binary files as ordinary, non-binary files. |
|
To workaround this problem, set the environment variable |
|
LESSCHARSET to "ascii" (or whatever character set is appropriate). |
|
.PP |
|
See http://www.greenwoodsoftware.com/less for the latest list of known bugs in this |
|
version of less. |
|
|
|
.SH COPYRIGHT |
.SH COPYRIGHT |
Copyright (C) 2002 Mark Nudelman |
Copyright (C) 1984-2011 Mark Nudelman |
.PP |
.PP |
less is part of the GNU project and is free software. |
less is part of the GNU project and is free software. |
You can redistribute it and/or modify it |
You can redistribute it and/or modify it |
|
|
.br |
.br |
Send bug reports or comments to the above address or to bug-less@gnu.org. |
Send bug reports or comments to the above address or to bug-less@gnu.org. |
.br |
.br |
For more information, see the less homepage at http://www.greenwoodsoftware.com/less. |
See http://www.greenwoodsoftware.com/less/bugs.html for the latest list of known bugs in less. |
|
.br |
|
For more information, see the less homepage at |
|
.br |
|
http://www.greenwoodsoftware.com/less. |