# Reading Files: cat and less

cat prints a short file on the screen, less shows a long one a screen at a time with keys to move and search, and file tells you what kind of file something is before you open it.

![Cheat sheet for the lesson Reading Files: cat and less: cat prints a short file on the screen, less shows a long one a screen at a time with keys to move and search, and file tells you what kind of file something is before you open it.](https://fsdtrainingmedia.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/2026/11/d3eb7ba09a364d2c942fc08fd67b33b2.webp)

- Category: Bash
- Level: Novice
- Tags: cat, file, less, linux, text-file, unix
- Updated: November 10, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/cheat-sheets/bash-reading-files-cheat-sheet