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.