Regular Expressions 101

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  • All Tokens
  • Common Tokens
  • General Tokens
  • Anchors
  • Meta Sequences
  • Quantifiers
  • Group Constructs
  • Character Classes
  • Flags/Modifiers
  • Substitution
  • A single character of: a, b or c
    [abc]
  • A character except: a, b or c
    [^abc]
  • A character in the range: a-z
    [a-z]
  • A character not in the range: a-z
    [^a-z]
  • A character in the range: a-z or A-Z
    [a-zA-Z]
  • Any single character
    .
  • Alternate - match either a or b
    a|b
  • Any whitespace character
    \s
  • Any non-whitespace character
    \S
  • Any digit
    \d
  • Any non-digit
    \D
  • Any word character
    \w
  • Any non-word character
    \W
  • Non-capturing group
    (?:...)
  • Capturing group
    (...)
  • Zero or one of a
    a?
  • Zero or more of a
    a*
  • One or more of a
    a+
  • Exactly 3 of a
    a{3}
  • 3 or more of a
    a{3,}
  • Between 3 and 6 of a
    a{3,6}
  • Start of string
    ^
  • End of string
    $
  • A word boundary
    \b
  • Non-word boundary
    \B

Regular Expression
No Match

/
/

Test String

Code Generator

Language

Generated Code

# coding=utf8 # the above tag defines encoding for this document and is for Python 2.x compatibility import re regex = r"([A-z \-]*)(?:,(( [A-z\-\.]*){0,3}(?:\(I*\))?))(.*)\s(\(.*\))\s*(\[.*\])?" test_str = ("Alba, Tota A la legi≤n le gustan las mujeres... y a las mujeres, les gusta la legi≤n (1976) [Do±a Euduviges] <20>\n" "Alba, Vivi Parφs Tombuct· (1999) [Azafata]\n" "Alba, Yashana Nightmare at Sleepaway Camp on Friday the 13th Part XII (2012) [Tammy Faye] <7>\n" "Albacar, Mar \"└nima\" (2009) {(#6.3)} [Herself]\n" "Albacete, Isabel Cßndida (2006) [Locutora Anuncio] <33>\n" "Albach, Maeghan Evangerion shin gekij⌠ban: Jo (2007) (voice: English version) [Additional Voices]\n" "Albach, Meaghan \"Suzuka\" (2005) {Egao (#1.2)} [Additional Voices]\n" "Albach, Stephanie Handcart (2002) [Abigail] <2>\n" "Albach-Retty, Rosa Abenteuer in Wien (1952)\n" "Albachten, Kim As Virgins Fall (2003) [Madge Palsey]\n" "Albadalejo, Ana L'Agent (2013) (V) [The Party] <6>\n" "Albaicφn, Angustias Violetas imperiales (1952) (uncredited)\n" "Albaicφn, Marφa El secreto del capitßn O'Hara (1968)\n" "Albain, Julia A Very Potter Musical (2009) (TV) [Crabbe] <14>\n" "Albajari, Nora La traque (2008) (TV) <40>\n" "Albakry, Mouna Born of War (2014) [Wife] <17>\n" "Albala, Shari Syx (2007) [Tour Group Member]\n" "Albaladejo, Ana Cachorro (2004) [Profesora joven] <29>\n" "Albaladejo, Geli 20 centφmetros (2005) [Funcionaria morena - Empleada ETT] <24>\n" "Albaladejo, Lola Manolito Gafotas (1999) [Madre 1] <27>\n" "Albaladejo, Maria \"└nima\" (2009) {(#7.17)} [Herself]\n" "Albaladejo, Marina \"Menudo show\" (1995) {(1997-07-26)} [Paloma San Basilio]\n" "Albaladejo, Rocφo \"La voz\" (2012) {(#1.1)} [Herself - Contestant]\n" "Albaladejo, Tonia \"Teatro estudio\" (1976) {Las aleluyas del se±or Esteve}\n" "Albalat, Laura Insaciable (2013) [Victima casa somni]\n" "Albalate, Gloria Cinco minutos para medianoche (2010)\n" "Albalate, N·ria Coco rallado (2008) [Mujer]\n" "Albamonte, Cora Empalagßme que me gusta (2006) [Teodora]\n" "Albamonti, Jennifer \"The Adventures of Indiana James\" (2015) [Bama Breeze Crew Member]\n" "Alban, Alissa Carried Away (1996) [School Board Superintendent] <10>\n" "Alban, Carolyn The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe (1974) [Virginia Clemm] <17>\n" "Alban, Chantal \"Janique aimΘe\" (1963) [IrΦne]\n" "Alban, Elizabeth Wildflowers (1999) [Poker Player] <37>\n" "Alban, Franτoise De quoi tu te mΩles Daniela! (1961) <6>\n" "Alban, Ilse \"The Man Called X\" (1956) {Voice on Tape} <7>\n" "Alban, Jamie The Halfway House (2004) (as Jaimie Alban) [Halfway House Girl] <25>\n" "Alban, Jani Journal d'un coopΘrant (2010) [Mathilde]\n" "Alban, Karine Dangerous Dreams - Die Macht des Geldes (2001) (V)\n" "Alban, Luz Je suis barbara morgan (2015) [Danseuse]\n" "Alban, Michele A±o u±a (2007) [Grandma Michele] <4>\n" "Alban, Patricia Satanico Pandemonium: La Sexorcista (1975) <14>\n" "Alban, Sarah Eden 11:11 (2010) [Young Girl, Cat]\n" "Alban-Zapata, Joy Das geteilte Glⁿck (2010) (TV) [Mimi Wagner] <7>\n" "Albana, Maya Danish Music Awards 2004 (2004) (TV) [Herself - Presenter (┼rets udenlandske hit)]\n" "Albanchaabouchi, Kahina Bloody Mary (2011/I) [Air hostess]\n" "Albane Rigadin et la poudre d'amour (1912)\n" "Albane, Blanche L'homme au grand manteau (1911) <3>\n" "Albanel, Christine L'aventure du Rond-Point: Audace joyeuse et rire de rΘsistance (2010) (TV) [Herself]\n" "Albanense, Nadia \"Como pan caliente\" (1996) [Pelusa] <24>\n" "Albanes, Carolina Agent: Undercover (2008) {{SUSPENDED}} [Luna]\n" "Albanese, Anna \"Starcade\" (1982) {(#1.17)} [Herself - Contestant] <4>\n" "Albanese, Ashleigh Crown Oaks Day (2011) (TV) [Herself]\n" "Albanese, Chrissy Fat Kid Luv (2009) [Partygoer] <13>\n" "Albanese, Francesca (R)evolution (2014) (V) [The Girl]\n" "Albanese, Giada Banzai (1997) [Duty Free Cashier]\n" "Albanese, Judy \"Cavuto on Business\" (2000) {(2014-07-18)} [Herself (segment \"Let Me Be Brief\")]\n" "Albanese, Kelly Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 Motion Comic (2011) (V) [Buffy]\n" "Albanese, Lauren \"Confessions of a Bartender\" (2015) [(2014)]\n" "Albanese, Licia Little Shop of Erotica (2001) [Restaurant Patron] <21>\n" "Albanese, Lindsay Operation Shock and Awe... some (2008) [Jenni]\n" "Albanese, Marta Operaci≤n masacre (1973)\n" "Albanese, Michela Il burbero (1986)\n" "Albanese, Michele \"StartUpers\" (2012) [Herself] <3>\n" "Albanese, Stephanie Eternal Black (2014) [Adult Sam/Narrator]\n" "Albanese, Tina \"JAG\" (1995) {Code Blue (#2.13)} (uncredited) [Cashier]\n" "Albanese, Zira Alzira's Story (2000) [Herself] <6>\n" "Albanese-Smith, Amanda \"The Stools\" (2015) {Chapter Five: More 1957 (#1.5)} [Betheny Bedstuy-Jones]\n" "Albanesi, Meggie Darby and Joan (1919) [Elin Garry] <5>\n" "Albanez, Caroline Manny's Obituary (2011) [Maggie] <5>\n" "Albanez, Diana \"Teachers Talking About...\" (2014) [Herself - Guest]\n" "Albaneze, Ljiljana \"Svaki dan dobar dan\" (2013) {Ucenje - (Ni) je mucenje (#1.3)} [Herself]\n" "Albanezzi, Nilza O Artesπo de Mulheres (1978) <10>\n" "Albani, Andrea (I) Agφtese antes de usarla (1983) (as Laly Espinet) [Elisa] <11>\n" "Albani, Angela Patima (1975) <20>\n" "Albani, Elsa Come, quando, perchΘ (1969) [Marco's mother] <4>\n" "Albani, Laura Auto-Ceva - Eine Begegnung und fⁿnf Reisen nach Bukarest (2010) [Herself] <2>\n" "Albani, Marcella Amore in fuga (1921)\n" "Albani, Maria Teresa Amore e ginnastica (1973) <11>\n" "Albani, Olga The Lady in Black (1935) (as Countess Olga Albani) [Countess Olga Albani] <1>\n" "Albani, Zoe Din prea multa dragoste (1986)\n" "Albani-Cook, Maria \"Snapped: Killer Couples\" (2011) {Jennifer Henderson & Skylar Deleon (#1.2)} [Notary]\n" "Albania, Annie In da Red Corner (2006) [Real Boxer] <66>\n" "Albaniah, Nor Al-Hijab (2011) [Datin] <4>\n" "Albano, Bea Edward Scissorhands (1990) [Rich Widow/TV] <36>\n" "Albano, Donna A Modern Day Western: The Sanchez Saga (1997) [Detective Leslie Henderson]\n" "Albano, Editha Thelma (2011) [Empanada Vendor, Batac Market] <28>\n" "Albano, Flora R. My Name Is Bruce (2007) [Old Lady] <36>\n" "Albano, Gia Santa Claws (2014) [Little Girl] <22>\n" "Albano, Jennie (I) The Crib (2005) [Alluring Nurse #2]\n" "Albano, Jennie (II) \"Take the Money & Run\" (2011) {The South Beach Sisters (#1.3)} [Herself - Contestant] <6>\n" "Albano, Jennifer 200 Cigarettes (1999) [Cheryl] <3>\n" "Albano, Jessica \"Prince$$\" (2010) {Laura H. (#2.27)} [Herself - Stylist]\n" "Albano, Jill The Grounded (2013/I) [Missy-Ann] <1>\n" "Albano, Kelly 30 Seconds from Oblivion (2010) (V) (as Kelly Marchand) [Lexi Warthers]\n" "Albano, Mariela Placer sangriento (1967)\n" "Albano, Martina La solitudine dei numeri primi (2010) [Young Alice] <3>\n" "Albano, Mary La bestia desnuda (1971)\n" "Albano, Meghan Pay It Forward (2000) (uncredited) [Neighbor]\n" "Albano, Michele \"Throwdown with Bobby Flay\" (2006) {Pumpkin Pie (#7.5)} [Herself - Owner, Michele's Pies]\n" "Albano, Patrizia Attenti a quei due napoletani (1980)\n" "Albano, Pina Faida (1988)\n" "Albano, Rebecca \"Take the Money & Run\" (2011) {The South Beach Sisters (#1.3)} (as Rebecca) [Herself - Contestant] <5>\n" "Albano, Serena Ultime notizie (1995)\n" "Albano, Stefania Il cappellino (2009)\n" "Albano, Tulsi 10 Hours State of Emergency (2013) [News Reporter]\n" "Albano, Victoria Jack Rio (2008) [Waitress]\n" "Albanova, Olga Nelegal (2006) [Svetlana] <3>\n" "Albany, Alison Busted (2015) [Office Worker] <19>\n" "Albany, Fernande Flagrant dΘlit (1931) [Hortense] <7>\n" "Albany, Jade (I) \"Camp\" (2013) {Pilot (#1.1)} [Alex] <18>\n" "Albao, Baby Scaregivers (2008) [Jewelry Shop Customer] <57>\n" "Albao, Theresita Scaregivers (2008) [Jewelry Shop Customer] <58>\n" "Albar, Shelley The Bridge (2006/I) [Herself - David's Friend, Oakland, CA] <25>\n" "Albarado, Clara La voz del agua (2015) [Mezzosoprano]\n" "Albardonedo, Deborah Bellas durmientes (2001) [Mujer de cuatro piernas] <29>\n" "Albareda, Teresa Pell Fina (2015)\n" "Albareil, Josette PygomΦle (2011) [La Servante] <5>\n" "Albarella, Jackie Traveling Salesmen (2008) [Mystic Judy Giordano] <6>\n" "Albarella, Karen Fixations (2010) [Group Member]\n" "Albarelli, Kathryn \"Law & Order: Criminal Intent\" (2001) {Unchained (#5.4)} [Judy Cordova] <26>\n" "Albares, Ana Isabel (I) XIV Premios Anuales Iris de la Academia de TV (2012) (TV) [Herself]\n" "Albares, Ana Isabel (II) XIV Premios Anuales Iris de la Academia de TV (2012) (TV) [Herself - Presenter]\n" "Albaret, Sylvia Les chants de Mandrin (2011) [Mandrinette] <10>\n" "Albarez, Angela Franchise (2012)\n" "Albarez, Maria Dolores Ellos Volvieron (2015) [Classmate] <21>\n" "Albaroto, Carla Thelma (2011) [University of Makati] <491>\n" "Albarracin, Mayra Insane (????) [Belen]\n" "Albarracin, Taca Nocturnal Jake (2009) [Sophia] <2>\n" "Albarracφn, Adriana \"La casa de las dos palmas\" (1991) [Hortencia Herreros (1991)]\n" "Albarracφn, Magnolia La pasi≤n de Gabriel (2008) [Do±a Carmen]\n" "Albarracφn, Marcela Invierno ausente (2005) [Elvira]\n" "Albarracφn, Nadia \"Guapas\" (2014) {Falsa alarma (#1.168)} [Bombero]\n" "Albarreal, Cecilia Dramagogφa barata (2005)\n" "Albarret, CΘleste Portrait-souvenir: Marcel Proust (1962) (TV) [Herself]\n" "Albarrosa, Rosanny Stand Clear of the Closing Doors (2013) [Nail clipper]\n" "Albarrßn, Karla \"Amor gitano\" (1999) <32>\n" "Albarrßn, Socorro 2 sinaloenses y 3 colombianas (1998) [Cela]\n" "Albarus-Lindo, Carmeta \"Aftermath with William Shatner\" (2010) {Confessions of the DC Sniper with William Shatner: An Aftermath Special (#1.0)} [Herself] <7>\n" "Albas, Michelle \"Crash Test Mommy\" (2004) {Michelle Albas (#1.8)} [Herself - Crash Test Mommy]\n" "Albas, Montse Omar Martφnez (2006) (TV) [MΘdico] <15>\n" "Albasetti, Eliana \"Buenos dφas a todos\" (1991) {(2013-07-08)} [Herself - Guest]\n" "Albassam, Dalia Gone (2004/II) [Daughter]\n" "Albassam, Sahar Gone (2004/II) [Mom]\n" "Albat, Elvan Seytan-i Racim 2: Ifrit (2015)\n" "Albat, Taiye Aje metta (2008) (V) [Ara ile] <11>\n" "Albates, Eva \"Streit um Drei\" (1998) {(#1.284)} [Gisela Bubner]\n" "Albatis, Marie Herzlutschen (2004) [Swetlana Erdmann]\n" "Albats, Evgeniya Srok (2014) (uncredited) [Herself]\n" "Albaugh, Bridget Fly on the Wall (2016) [Gwen]\n" "Albaugh, Cheryl The Spirits: A Christmas Story (2013) [Extra]\n" "Albaugh, Sally Desperate Living (1977) [Hag] <24>\n" "Albaum, Haley Swimming to the Moon (2007) [Background]\n" "Albaum, Morgan Swimming to the Moon (2007) [Waitress/Dancer]\n" "Albayati, Anwar Ett ÷ga r÷tt (2007) [Dalanda]\n" "Albayaty, Leila Berlin Telegram (2012) [Leila]\n" "Albayaty, Simone Ka∩ros (2015) [Herself]\n" "Albayrak, Fulya \"Melek\" (2002) [(2002)]\n" "Albayrak, Maria \"Idol\" (2004) {(#2.1)} [Herself]\n" "Albayrak, Nahsen Sahinler diyari (1958)\n" "Albayrak, Nebahat \"Barend en Van Dorp\" (1990) {(2001-11-30)} [Herself - Kamerlid PvdA] <4>\n" "Albayrak, Nurten \"Pauw & Witteman\" (2006) {(#6.74)} [Herself - Directeur COA] <6>\n" "Albayrak, Tugce \"CNN Newsroom\" (1989) {(2014-11-27)} (archive footage) [Herself - Prⁿgelopfer]\n" "Albaz, Sana Broken Wings (????) [Herself]\n" "Albe, Celeste A sangre frφa (las reglas del juego) (2007) [Periodista] <6>\n" "Albe, Dawn The Least of These (1995) (TV) [Roxanne] <5>\n" "Albe, Marie Cause toujours, mon lapin (1961)\n" "Albea, Ami Zombie Apocalypse (2011) (TV) [Zombie] <12>\n" "Albech, Lillian I lossens time (2013) [Indsat 4]\n" "Albeck, Alysia The Love Doctor (2015) [Fan]\n" "Albeck, Bruria Kafe V'Limon (1994) [Michal] <3>\n" "Albeck, Christine Halby \"Klovn\" (2005) {Ups (#4.10)} [Christine]\n" "Albeck, Else Det sande ansigt (1951) <12>\n" "Albeck, Jeanett \"Jarls quizshow\" (2012) {(#1.1)} [Herself - Conductor]\n" "Albeck, Lillan Fasandrµberne (2014) [Posedame pσ hovedbanegσrden] <44>\n" "Albeck, Lillian \"Karrusel\" (1998) {8/Ulrich og Lotte (#1.8)} (uncredited) [Dame ved billetlugen]\n" "Albeck, Lis Flagermusen (1966) <40>\n" "Albecker, Anne-Claire La chance de ma vie (2011) [RΘceptionnniste h⌠tel] <29>\n" "Albeda, Martha Mind Walls (2011) [Prakruti]\n" "Albediwa, Neeven Dark Places (2005) [Donna] <13>\n" "Albee Sisters, The Turn Off the Moon (1937) [The Albee Sisters] <13>\n" "Albee, Becca The Punk Singer (2013) [Herself] <6>\n" "Albee, Gloria Still Dreaming (2014) [Herself - Helena]\n" "Albee, Lori Naked Ambition: An R Rated Look at an X Rated Industry (2009) (as JC's Girls) [Herself - Christian Outreach Ministry] <8>\n" "Albee, Lura \"Mike Hammer\" (1984) {Sex Trap (#1.7)} [Elegant Lady]\n" "Albee, Mary Crisis in Mid-air (1979) (TV) <45>\n" "Albee, Nicole (II) The Education Channel (2012) (V) [Herself]\n" "Albee, Pat Syx (2007) [SYX recruit]\n" "Albee, Payton What Lies Within Us (2015) [Phoebe]\n" "Albee, Roxanne (I) Hot Rods to Hell (1967) (uncredited) [Dancer in Floral Outfit]\n" "Albee, Roxanne (II) Young Guns (2013) [Diana]\n" "Albeen, Allison Camera Shy (2004) [The Girl] <2>\n" "Albelda, Mitch Ang huling henya (2013) [Extras at Club Ramp] <150>\n" "Albelda, Nuria Redes de traici≤n (2014) [Chica exterior]\n" "Albelo, Anna Margarita Hooters! (2010) [The Investigator]\n" "Alben, Adriana Aquile (1990) (TV) [Madre di Ferrara]\n" "Alben, Emily The Feline Feeling (2014) [Hazel Bulleit]\n" "Albeneau, Cristina L'elefante Rosa (2004)\n" "Albenga, Cristina La sagrada familia (1988) <15>\n" "Albeniz, Cecilia La traversΘe du dΘsir (2009) [Herself]\n" "Alber, Alix Aase AyoΘ Et Syndens Barn (1913) [The Child]\n" "Alber, Aloma D. Take-Away Spirit (2009)\n" "Alber, Ariane Glⁿckliche Tage - Am Rande des Abgrunds (1995) [Herzegowina Bihaτ]\n" "Alber, Franziska Das Haus Anubis - Pfad der 7 Sⁿnden (2012) [Delia] <4>\n" "Alber, Kim Goblin (1993) (V) [Sherry] <5>\n" "Alber, Marjorie-Sue \"Ripley's Believe It or Not!\" (1999) {(#1.20)} [Herself - Roger's Daughter]\n" "Albera, Blanche IrΦne Leτon de vie (1995)") matches = re.search(regex, test_str) if matches: print ("Match was found at {start}-{end}: {match}".format(start = matches.start(), end = matches.end(), match = matches.group())) for groupNum in range(0, len(matches.groups())): groupNum = groupNum + 1 print ("Group {groupNum} found at {start}-{end}: {group}".format(groupNum = groupNum, start = matches.start(groupNum), end = matches.end(groupNum), group = matches.group(groupNum))) # Note: for Python 2.7 compatibility, use ur"" to prefix the regex and u"" to prefix the test string and substitution.

Please keep in mind that these code samples are automatically generated and are not guaranteed to work. If you find any syntax errors, feel free to submit a bug report. For a full regex reference for Python, please visit: https://docs.python.org/3/library/re.html