The less command actually accepts a lot of configuration options. For instance, less -F <file> will make the pager quit if the file can be displayed within one screen. We can also do export LESS='-F' so specific options apply to all less commands. That way, other commands that use less like git and man will also benefit from the environment variable. Use man less to read more about all the different kind of options you can use to make less more. Here is a nice article that covers some interesting options.