Less is a program similar to more (1), 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 (1). 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.
(On a hardcopy terminal, lines which should be printed at the top of
the screen are prefixed with a caret.)
Commands are based on both more and vi. Commands may be preceded by a
decimal number, called N in the descriptions below. The number is
used by some commands, as indicated.
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