less
« Back to VersTracker
Description:
Pager program similar to more
Type: Formula  |  Latest Version: 685@0  |  Tracked Since: Oct 15, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: System utilities
Tags: pager cli text-editor utilities terminal
Install: brew install less
About:
Less is a terminal-based pager program used to view the contents of a text file one screen at a time. Unlike more, it allows for both forward and backward navigation within the file. It is a standard utility on Unix-like systems and is highly efficient for handling large log files or command output.
Key Features:
  • Efficient memory usage for large files
  • Bidirectional navigation (forward and backward)
  • Powerful search capabilities
  • Support for syntax highlighting
  • Highly configurable interface
Use Cases:
  • Reading long log files generated by servers or applications
  • Navigating through extensive source code files
  • Viewing lengthy command output without cluttering the terminal
Alternatives:
  • more – The original Unix pager; less adds backward movement and more features.
  • most – An alternative pager that supports multiple windows.
  • cat – Dumps the entire file to the terminal; no navigation features.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Oct 15, 2025 2:39am 0 VERSION_BUMP 39c112a5
Sep 11, 2025 8:55am 0 VERSION_BUMP b17d90e5