15

I want to open just the head of a large file.

I know you can use a shell command (M-! RET head file RET), but I lose helm completion, it opens in a separate window, and the buffer has the uninformative name of *Shell Command Output*.

How can I open large files with head (or something similar)?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
21

I suggest you use the vlf package.

It handles opening larges files in chunks and is very performant, I use it regularly to open files ~2gb.

In your config, require vlf-setup to have vlf ask you if you want to use vlf every time you try to open a large file. This means it works with anything that uses find-file such as helm-find-files.

Improve this answer
1
  • Way better solution than what I was even asking for. Thanks a bunch!
    – salotz
    Commented Dec 11, 2015 at 19:10

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.