GitHub - dawsonhuang0/Less-Pager-Mini: A scrollable terminal pager for Node.js with less-style navigation.

Getting Started

Follow these simple steps to install Less-Pager-Mini.

Prerequisites

Make sure you have the following installed:

• Node.js (v18 or higher)
• npm (comes with Node.js)

Installation

Install Less-Pager-Mini via npm:

If you want to use it directly from your terminal:

Usage

Terminal:

Use lmn anywhere you'd use less — same keys, same flags:

lmn file.txt          # page a file
lmn -N app.log        # any less option works
cmd | lmn             # page piped output
lmn huge-500GB.log    # giant files open instantly

JavaScript / TypeScript:

import pager from 'less-pager-mini';

const example = ['a', 'b', 'c'];

await pager(example);
await pager(example, ['-N', '--chop-long-lines']);
await pager(example, ['-R'], { LESS: '-X' });

JavaScript calls are safe by default: interactive process escapes (!, #, |, and v) are disabled. The lmn executable keeps them enabled unless it is started with --no-shell.

Function Parameters

input: Any unknown input to page.

args: Less arguments as an array, spelled the way less documents them — ['-N', '--chop-long-lines', '+G']. They are scanned in order, so a later one overrides an earlier one, and an option may repeat.

env: An environment overlay for this call — the variables less consults (LESS, LESSOPEN, LESSSECURE, ...). $LESS is scanned before args, as it is before argv on a command line.

Featuring Arguments

You can use the following flags in args:

--examine-file: Treats the input as file path(s) and reads from disk, like naming them on the command line.

Example input:

or

[
  'a.txt',
  'b.md',
  'c' // Ignored
]

--tab-object: JSON.stringifies the input object indented with \t. You can adjust tab stops using the --tabs option.

off:
["a","b",["c","d"]]
{"a":1,"b":2,"c":{"d":3}}

on:
[
  "a",
  "b",
  [
    "c",
    "d"
  ]
]
{
  "a": 1,
  "b": 2,
  "c": {
    "d": 3
  }
}

--use-js-regexp: Searches with JavaScript's RegExp. Off by default — compiling POSIX-compatible regex patterns with posix-regex.

--lesskey-help: Displays the syntax of lesskey files.

--view-lesskey: Shows the lesskeys in use — v edits and re-applies the one on screen; creates ~/.lesskey if no lesskey is in use.

Notice:

--examine-file and --tab-object are not supported in lmn.

About The Project

Want to glance your array or objects, but scrolling through terminal feels painful? This tool got your back.

Less-Pager-Mini is a lightweight pager that lets you scroll massive terminal output with ease and precision.

Whether you're debugging, dumping logs, or previewing data structures — this pager helps you scroll fast without getting lost in overwhelming output.

• 🔁 Familiar Commands – Inherits command keys from less
• 📦 Minimal Dependencies – Lightweight, stable, and portable
• 🖥️ Pure Terminal UX – Replicates 99% of the less experience

Roadmap

• COMMAND MODE
• MOVING
• SEARCHING
• JUMPING
• CHANGING FILES
• MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS
• OPTIONS
• LINE EDITING
• Custom Key-Bindings (lesskey)
• Start up via lmn command directly from terminal
• Load 1TB file instantly
• Support wide-character (emoji, CJK, etc.) rendering
• Support help page

Built With

Feedback

Found something odd or came up with a bright improvement?
Feel free to open an issue — contributions and feedback are always welcome!

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you have suggestions, improvements, or bug fixes, feel free to:

• Fork the repo
• Create a new branch
• Make your changes
• Open a pull request

Please follow the coding style and write clear commit messages.
Let’s make Less-Pager-Mini better together!

Acknowledgments

• Inspired by less by Mark Nudelman – the legendary terminal pager that set the standard.

License

Distributed under the MIT License.
See LICENSE for more information.