Why Doesn't Control-C Work in the Linux 'less' Command?

  • Thread starter ehrenfest
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In summary, "Linux: Get Out of Less" is a command used to exit the "less" program in Linux operating systems. It can be used by typing "q" or "Ctrl+C" while in the program. This command is necessary because the "less" program does not have a built-in exit command. There are other commands that can be used to exit the program, but "Linux: Get Out of Less" is a commonly used phrase for this function. The command can also be customized by changing key bindings or using a different command or key combination.
  • #1
ehrenfest
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[SOLVED] getting out of less

How do you get out of the "less" environment in linux? The normal control-C does not work and I am not sure why. I usually just resort to control-Z but then I have to go back and kill the process which is annoying.

EDIT: apparently .q works; but can someone please explain why the normal control-C does not work?
 
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  • #2
The designer of 'less' chose to make it ignore ctrl-c, I don't know why.
Some implementations quit on ctrl-C but this isn't the standard behaviour.
 
  • #3


There are a few possible reasons why the normal control-C may not work in the "less" environment in Linux. One possibility is that the terminal settings may have been changed, causing control-C to not function as expected. Another possibility is that the "less" command may have been configured to ignore control-C signals. Additionally, if the program running in "less" is not responding, control-C may not work.

In this case, using the .q command to exit "less" is a good workaround. It is also helpful to check the terminal settings and the configuration of the "less" command to ensure that control-C is not being ignored. If the issue persists, it may be worth looking into the program that is running in "less" and troubleshooting any potential issues there.
 

FAQ: Why Doesn't Control-C Work in the Linux 'less' Command?

What is "Linux: Get Out of Less"?

"Linux: Get Out of Less" is a command that allows users to exit the "less" program, which is a command-line utility for viewing and navigating through large text files. It is commonly used in Linux operating systems.

How do I use the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command?

To use the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command, simply type q or Ctrl+C while in the "less" program. This will exit the program and return you to the command line.

Why would I need to use the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command?

The "less" program is commonly used for viewing and navigating through large text files, but it does not have a built-in exit command. Therefore, the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command is necessary to exit the program and return to the command line.

Are there any other commands that perform a similar function to "Linux: Get Out of Less"?

Yes, there are several other commands that can be used to exit the "less" program, such as q, Ctrl+C, or ZZ. However, "Linux: Get Out of Less" is a commonly used phrase that is often associated with exiting the "less" program.

Is there a way to customize the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command?

Yes, the "Linux: Get Out of Less" command can be customized by changing the key bindings for exiting the "less" program. This can be done by modifying the .lesskey file in your home directory. Alternatively, you can use a different command or key combination to exit the program.

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