LESSCLOSE

LESSCLOSE is a command-line utility designed to close open files and network connections managed by the LESS pager. When LESS is used to view a file, it often keeps the file open in the background for efficient navigation. Similarly, when viewing network streams or compressed files, LESS may maintain active connections. LESSCLOSE provides a way to explicitly terminate these background processes and connections, freeing up system resources.

The utility is typically invoked after LESS has finished its execution or if the user wishes to prematurely release the resources held by LESS. Running LESSCLOSE without any arguments will usually close all active LESS-managed file handles and network sockets. It can be particularly useful in scripting environments where automated file processing might leave lingering LESS instances or connections. The primary benefit of using LESSCLOSE is to ensure that system resources are promptly reclaimed, preventing potential memory leaks or performance degradation, especially in scenarios involving numerous or long-running LESS sessions. It is a simple yet effective tool for maintaining system cleanliness when working with the LESS pager.