Search Command in Less: See Target Line in Context

[nvn]

When perusing a file using the linux less command, and you use the less search command inside less, I would like to know how to make less not display the line containing the target search string as the very top line of the session window (very poor design). I want the target line to always be at least the fourth line down from the top of the window (or lower), so I can see the found string in context, showing a few lines before (and after) the target line. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[nvn]

Problem solved. The problem is solved by using the less -jn option, explained on the less man page.

 

[quicknote]

I understand the frustration of wanting to see the target line in context while using the less command in linux. This issue can be resolved by using the "-j" option with the search command in less. This will allow you to specify the number of lines to skip before displaying the target line in the session window. For example, using the command "less -j4 <filename>" will skip the first 4 lines and display the target line as the fifth line in the session window. This will allow you to see the target line in context with the surrounding lines, providing a better understanding of the file. I hope this helps in your research and exploration of files using the less command.