Less

Less is a pager software that is designed to display text files. This software is commonly used along with other pagers such as more and pg in command-line environments such as the Unix shell and the MS-DOS command prompt. However, windowed environments like the Windows and Macintosh desktops do not require pagers as they have their own methods for viewing files.

Unlike an editor, Less allows users to view files but not change the contents of the file. It also does not have GUI elements but is designed to work on simple text-only terminals. Despite its simplicity, the software has been used by thousands of people globally since its release in 1985.

One of the key features of Less is its ability to move backward in a file, a feature which is often lacking in similar software. Less also allows users to search for text within the file, both forwards and backward, and highlights matching text to make it easy to spot.

The software also enables users to switch between any number of different files, remembering their positions in each file. Additionally, Less is capable of interpreting overstriking commonly used in Unix-style "man pages" to simulate underlined and bold text.

Less has a large number of advanced features that cater to experienced users. Users can customize the software to their liking, modify key bindings, set up filters to view compressed data or other file types, customize the prompt, display line numbers, use "tag" files, and more.

Lastly, Less is available on many different machines, system architectures, and terminals, making it portable and user-friendly. This means that users do not have to learn how to use different pagers on every system they use as Less will always be available.