![[image of the Head of a GNU]](/graphics/gnu-head-sm.jpg)
Less is a program similar to more, but which allows backward movement in the file as well as forward movement. Also, less does not have to read the entire input file before starting, so with large input files it starts up faster than text editors like vi. Less uses termcap (or terminfo on some systems), so it can run on a variety of terminals. There is even limited support for hardcopy terminals.
less can be found on in the subdirectory /gnu/less/ on your favorite
GNU mirror, or the main FTP server http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/less/. For
other ways to obtain less, please read
How to get GNU Software.
Please send FSF & GNU inquiries & questions to gnu@gnu.org. There are also other ways to contact the FSF.
Please send comments on these web pages to webmasters@www.gnu.org, send other questions to gnu@gnu.org.
Copyright (C) 1998 Free Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111, USA
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.
Updated: $Date: 2002/08/22 21:29:43 $ $Author: bkuhn $