A `cat` command clone with syntax highlighting, Git integration, and more.
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Better cat command
Biggest con
Learning new tool
TL;DR - bat
- Modern `cat` replacement with syntax highlighting.
- Integrates with Git to show file modifications.
- Features automatic paging and can be combined with other CLI tools.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is bat?
bat is a command-line utility that acts as a modern replacement for the standard `cat` command. It enhances the display of file contents by adding features like syntax highlighting for a wide range of programming and markup languages, and integration with Git to show file modifications. It also includes automatic paging for large files, the ability to show non-printable characters, and seamless concatenation of multiple files.
Designed for developers and anyone who frequently views text files in the terminal, bat improves readability and provides useful context. It can be easily integrated with other command-line tools like `fzf`, `find`, `fd`, `ripgrep`, `tail -f`, and `git diff`, making it a versatile addition to any terminal workflow. Its intelligent behavior allows it to act as a simple `cat` replacement when piping output, while offering advanced features for interactive viewing.
Available on: Linux, Windows, macOS
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Better cat command
- Syntax highlighting
- Git integration
- Fast performance
- Good defaults
Cons
- Learning new tool
- Different from cat
- Config for customization
- Large binary
- Rust dependency
Key Features
Cat replacementSyntax highlightingGit integrationLine numbersTheme supportAutomatic paging
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 11, 2026
Open Source
Free
- Full source code access
- Apache License 2.0 license
- Community support
- Self-hosted
Reviews
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bat FAQ
How does bat enhance the viewing of code and text files in the terminal?
bat improves file viewing by providing syntax highlighting for many programming and markup languages, and integrates with Git to display file modifications. It also includes automatic paging for large files, making it easier to navigate content.
Which teams would benefit most from using bat?
bat is designed for developers and anyone who frequently views text files in the terminal. It enhances readability and provides useful context, making it a valuable tool for programming and system administration tasks.
How is bat different from a tool like exa?
bat functions as a modern replacement for the
cat command, focusing on enhancing the display of file contents with features like syntax highlighting and Git integration. In contrast, exa is typically used as a modern replacement for the ls command, focusing on listing directory contents with additional information and formatting.What kind of trade-offs should users consider when adopting bat?
Users should be aware that bat is a new tool with a learning curve and behaves differently from the standard
cat command. Customization requires configuration, and it is a large binary with a Rust dependency.Does bat include a free tier?
bat is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. It is available for anyone to download and utilize without cost.
Can bat be integrated with other command-line utilities?
Yes, bat can be easily integrated with various command-line tools such as
fzf, find, fd, ripgrep, tail -f, and git diff. This allows it to fit seamlessly into existing terminal workflows and enhance their functionality.Source: github.com