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Doc/lib/libre.tex
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@ -4,9 +4,7 @@
\bimodindex{re} \bimodindex{re}
% XXX Remove before 1.5final release. % XXX Remove before 1.5final release.
{\large\bf The \code{re} module is still in the process of being {\large\bf This documentation is also preliminary and incomplete. If you
developed, and more features will be added in future 1.5 alphas and
betas. This documentation is also preliminary and incomplete. If you
find a bug or documentation error, or just find something unclear, find a bug or documentation error, or just find something unclear,
please send a message to please send a message to
\code{string-sig@python.org}, and we'll fix it.} \code{string-sig@python.org}, and we'll fix it.}
@ -53,7 +51,7 @@ patterns will be expressed in Python code using this raw string notation.
%Similarly, a backslash followed by a digit 0-7 should be doubled to %Similarly, a backslash followed by a digit 0-7 should be doubled to
%avoid interpretation as an octal escape. %avoid interpretation as an octal escape.
\subsection{Regular Expressions} \subsection{Regular Expression Syntax}
A regular expression (or RE) specifies a set of strings that matches A regular expression (or RE) specifies a set of strings that matches
it; the functions in this module let you check if a particular string it; the functions in this module let you check if a particular string
@ -92,9 +90,10 @@ character except a newline. If the \code{DOTALL} flag has been
specified, this matches any character including a newline. specified, this matches any character including a newline.
\item[\code{\^}] (Caret.) Matches the start of the string, and in \item[\code{\^}] (Caret.) Matches the start of the string, and in
\code{MULTILINE} mode also immediately after each newline. \code{MULTILINE} mode also immediately after each newline.
\item[\code{\$}] Matches the end of the string. \item[\code{\$}] Matches the end of the string, and in
\code{MULTILINE} mode also matches before a newline.
\code{foo} matches both 'foo' and 'foobar', while the regular \code{foo} matches both 'foo' and 'foobar', while the regular
expression '\code{foo\$}' matches only 'foo'. expression \code{foo\$} matches only 'foo'.
% %
\item[\code{*}] Causes the resulting RE to \item[\code{*}] Causes the resulting RE to
match 0 or more repetitions of the preceding RE, as many repetitions match 0 or more repetitions of the preceding RE, as many repetitions
@ -130,17 +129,18 @@ sequence isn't recognized by Python's parser, the backslash and
subsequent character are included in the resulting string. However, subsequent character are included in the resulting string. However,
if Python would recognize the resulting sequence, the backslash should if Python would recognize the resulting sequence, the backslash should
be repeated twice. This is complicated and hard to understand, so be repeated twice. This is complicated and hard to understand, so
it's highly recommended that you use raw strings. it's highly recommended that you use raw strings for all but the simplest expressions.
% %
\item[\code{[]}] Used to indicate a set of characters. Characters can \item[\code{[]}] Used to indicate a set of characters. Characters can
be listed individually, or a range is indicated by giving two be listed individually, or a range of characters can be indicated by
characters and separating them by a '-'. Special characters are not giving two characters and separating them by a '-'. Special
active inside sets. For example, \code{[akm\$]} will match any of the characters are not active inside sets. For example, \code{[akm\$]}
characters 'a', 'k', 'm', or '\$'; \code{[a-z]} will match any will match any of the characters 'a', 'k', 'm', or '\$'; \code{[a-z]}
lowercase letter and \code{[a-zA-Z0-9]} matches any letter or digit. will match any lowercase letter and \code{[a-zA-Z0-9]} matches any
Character classes of the form \code{\e \var{X}} defined below are also acceptable. letter or digit. Character classes such as \code{\e w} or \code {\e
If you want to include a \code{]} or a \code{-} inside a S} (defined below) are also acceptable inside a range. If you want to
set, precede it with a backslash. include a \code{]} or a \code{-} inside a set, precede it with a
backslash.
Characters \emph{not} within a range can be matched by including a Characters \emph{not} within a range can be matched by including a
\code{\^} as the first character of the set; \code{\^} elsewhere will \code{\^} as the first character of the set; \code{\^} elsewhere will
@ -151,11 +151,11 @@ creates a regular expression that will match either A or B. This can
be used inside groups (see below) as well. To match a literal '|', be used inside groups (see below) as well. To match a literal '|',
use \code{\e|}, or enclose it inside a character class, like \code{[|]}. use \code{\e|}, or enclose it inside a character class, like \code{[|]}.
% %
\item[\code{(...)}] Matches whatever regular expression is inside the parentheses, and indicates the start and end of a group; the \item[\code{(...)}] Matches whatever regular expression is inside the
contents of a group can be retrieved after a match has been performed, parentheses, and indicates the start and end of a group; the contents
and can be matched later in the string with the of a group can be retrieved after a match has been performed, and can
\code{\e \var{number}} special sequence, described below. To match the be matched later in the string with the \code{\e \var{number}} special
literals '(' or ')', sequence, described below. To match the literals '(' or ')',
use \code{\e(} or \code{\e)}, or enclose them inside a character use \code{\e(} or \code{\e)}, or enclose them inside a character
class: \code{[(] [)]}. class: \code{[(] [)]}.
% %
@ -167,9 +167,9 @@ Following are the currently supported extensions.
\item[\code{(?iLmsx)}] (One or more letters from the set 'i', 'L', 'm', 's', \item[\code{(?iLmsx)}] (One or more letters from the set 'i', 'L', 'm', 's',
'x'.) The group matches the empty string; the letters set the 'x'.) The group matches the empty string; the letters set the
corresponding flags (re.I, re.L, re.M, re.S, re.X) for the entire regular corresponding flags (re.I, re.L, re.M, re.S, re.X) for the entire regular
expression. (The flag 'L' is uppercase because it is not in standard Perl.) expression. This is useful if you wish include the flags as part of
This is useful if you wish include the flags as part of the regular the regular expression, instead of passing a \var{flag} argument to
expression, instead of passing a \var{flag} argument to the \code{compile} function. the \code{compile} function.
% %
\item[\code{(?:...)}] A non-grouping version of regular parentheses. \item[\code{(?:...)}] A non-grouping version of regular parentheses.
Matches whatever's inside the parentheses, but the text matched by the Matches whatever's inside the parentheses, but the text matched by the
@ -183,12 +183,14 @@ symbolic group is also a numbered group, just as if the group were not
named. So the group named 'id' in the example above can also be named. So the group named 'id' in the example above can also be
referenced as the numbered group 1. referenced as the numbered group 1.
For example, if the pattern string is For example, if the pattern is
\code{r'(?P<id>[a-zA-Z_]\e w*)'}, the group can be referenced by its \code{(?P<id>[a-zA-Z_]\e w*)}, the group can be referenced by its
name in arguments to methods of match objects, such as \code{m.group('id')} name in arguments to methods of match objects, such as \code{m.group('id')}
or \code{m.end('id')}, and also by name in pattern text (e.g. \code{(?P=id)}) and or \code{m.end('id')}, and also by name in pattern text (e.g. \code{(?P=id)}) and
replacement text (e.g. \code{\e g<id>}). replacement text (e.g. \code{\e g<id>}).
% %
\item[\code{(?P=\var{name})}] Matches whatever text was matched by the earlier group named \var{name}.
%
\item[\code{(?\#...)}] A comment; the contents of the parentheses are simply ignored. \item[\code{(?\#...)}] A comment; the contents of the parentheses are simply ignored.
% %
\item[\code{(?=...)}] Matches if \code{...} matches next, but doesn't consume any of the string. This is called a lookahead assertion. For example, \item[\code{(?=...)}] Matches if \code{...} matches next, but doesn't consume any of the string. This is called a lookahead assertion. For example,
@ -203,8 +205,7 @@ For example,
The special sequences consist of '\code{\e}' and a character from the The special sequences consist of '\code{\e}' and a character from the
list below. If the ordinary character is not on the list, then the list below. If the ordinary character is not on the list, then the
resulting RE will match the second character. For example, resulting RE will match the second character. For example,
\code{\e\$} matches the character '\$'. Ones where the backslash \code{\e\$} matches the character '\$'.
should be doubled are indicated.
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
@ -222,7 +223,9 @@ as a group match, but as the character with octal value \var{number}.
\item[\code{\e b}] Matches the empty string, but only at the \item[\code{\e b}] Matches the empty string, but only at the
beginning or end of a word. A word is defined as a sequence of beginning or end of a word. A word is defined as a sequence of
alphanumeric characters, so the end of a word is indicated by alphanumeric characters, so the end of a word is indicated by
whitespace or a non-alphanumeric character. whitespace or a non-alphanumeric character. Inside a character range,
\code{\e b} represents the backspace character, for compatibility with
Python's string literals.
% %
\item[\code{\e B}] Matches the empty string, but only when it is \item[\code{\e B}] Matches the empty string, but only when it is
\emph{not} at the beginning or end of a word. \emph{not} at the beginning or end of a word.
@ -274,35 +277,42 @@ The module defines the following functions and constants, and an exception:
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item[I ] or IGNORECASE: \item {I or IGNORECASE or \code{(?i)}}
Perform case-insensitive matching; expressions like [A-Z] will match
lowercase letters, too.
\item[L ] or LOCALE: {Perform case-insensitive matching; expressions like \code{[A-Z]} will match
Make \code{\e w}, \code{\e W}, \code{\e b}, \code{\e B}, dependent on lowercase letters, too. This is not affected by the current locale.
the current locale. }
\item {L or LOCALE or \code{(?L)}}
\item[M ] or MULTILINE: {Make \code{\e w}, \code{\e W}, \code{\e b},
When specified, the pattern character \code{\^} matches at the \code{\e B}, dependent on the current locale.
beginning of the string and at the beginning of each line (immediately }
following each newline); and the pattern character \code{\$} matches
at the end of the string and at the end of each line (immediately
preceding each newline).
\item {M or MULTILINE or \code{(?m)}}
{When specified, the pattern character \code{\^} matches at the
beginning of the string and at the beginning of each line
(immediately following each newline); and the pattern character
\code{\$} matches at the end of the string and at the end of each line
(immediately preceding each newline).
By default, \code{\^} matches only at the beginning of the string, and By default, \code{\^} matches only at the beginning of the string, and
\code{\$} only at the end of the string and immediately before the \code{\$} only at the end of the string and immediately before the
newline (if any) at the end of the string. newline (if any) at the end of the string.
}
\item[S ] or DOTALL: \item {S or DOTALL or \code{(?s)}}
Make the \code{.} special character match a newline; without this
flag, \code{.} will match anything \emph{except} a newline.
\item[X ] or VERBOSE: {Make the \code{.} special character any character at all, including a
When specified, whitespace within the pattern string is ignored except newline; without this flag, \code{.} will match anything \emph{except}
when in a character class or preceded by an unescaped backslash, and, a newline.}
when a line contains a \code{\#} not in a character class or preceded
by an unescaped backslash, all characters from the leftmost such \item {X or VERBOSE or \code{(?x)}}
\code{\#} through the end of the line are ignored.
{Ignore whitespace within the pattern
except when in a character class or preceded by an unescaped
backslash, and, when a line contains a \code{\#} neither in a character
class or preceded by an unescaped backslash, all characters from the
leftmost such \code{\#} through the end of the line are ignored. }
\end{itemize} \end{itemize}
@ -319,8 +329,8 @@ is equivalent to
result = re.match(pat, str) result = re.match(pat, str)
\end{verbatim}\ecode \end{verbatim}\ecode
% %
but the version using \code{compile()} is more efficient when multiple but the version using \code{compile()} is more efficient when the
regular expressions are used concurrently in a single program. expression will be used several times in a single program.
%(The compiled version of the last pattern passed to \code{regex.match()} or %(The compiled version of the last pattern passed to \code{regex.match()} or
%\code{regex.search()} is cached, so programs that use only a single %\code{regex.search()} is cached, so programs that use only a single
%regular expression at a time needn't worry about compiling regular %regular expression at a time needn't worry about compiling regular
@ -328,9 +338,9 @@ regular expressions are used concurrently in a single program.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{escape}{string} \begin{funcdesc}{escape}{string}
Return \var{string} with all non-alphanumerics backslashed; this is Return \var{string} with all non-alphanumerics backslashed; this is
useful if you want to match some variable string which may have useful if you want to match an arbitrary literal string that may have
regular expression metacharacters in it. regular expression metacharacters in it.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{match}{pattern\, string\optional{\, flags}} \begin{funcdesc}{match}{pattern\, string\optional{\, flags}}
@ -382,9 +392,9 @@ replacement string. For example:
\end{verbatim}\ecode \end{verbatim}\ecode
% %
The pattern may be a string or a The pattern may be a string or a
regexp object; if you need to specify regex object; if you need to specify
regular expression flags, you must use a regexp object, or use regular expression flags, you must use a regex object, or use
embedded modifiers in a pattern string; e.g. embedded modifiers in a pattern; e.g.
% %
\bcode\begin{verbatim} \bcode\begin{verbatim}
sub("(?i)b+", "x", "bbbb BBBB") returns 'x x'. sub("(?i)b+", "x", "bbbb BBBB") returns 'x x'.
@ -418,16 +428,14 @@ attributes:
\begin{funcdesc}{match}{string\optional{\, pos}\optional{\, endpos}} \begin{funcdesc}{match}{string\optional{\, pos}\optional{\, endpos}}
If zero or more characters at the beginning of \var{string} match If zero or more characters at the beginning of \var{string} match
this regular expression, return a corresponding this regular expression, return a corresponding
\code{Match} object. Return \code{None} if the string does not \code{MatchObject} instance. Return \code{None} if the string does not
match the pattern; note that this is different from a zero-length match the pattern; note that this is different from a zero-length
match. match.
The optional second parameter \var{pos} gives an index in the string The optional second parameter \var{pos} gives an index in the string
where the search is to start; it defaults to \code{0}. This is not where the search is to start; it defaults to \code{0}. The
completely equivalent to slicing the string; the \code{'\^'} pattern \code{'\^'} pattern character will match at the index where the
character matches at the real begin of the string and at positions search is to start.
just after a newline, not necessarily at the index where the search
is to start.
The optional parameter \var{endpos} limits how far the string will The optional parameter \var{endpos} limits how far the string will
be searched; it will be as if the string is \var{endpos} characters be searched; it will be as if the string is \var{endpos} characters
@ -441,8 +449,8 @@ attributes:
position in the string matches the pattern; note that this is position in the string matches the pattern; note that this is
different from finding a zero-length match at some point in the string. different from finding a zero-length match at some point in the string.
The optional \var{pos} and \var{endpos} parameters have the same meaning as for the The optional \var{pos} and \var{endpos} parameters have the same
\code{match} method. meaning as for the \code{match} method.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{split}{string\, \optional{, maxsplit=0}} \begin{funcdesc}{split}{string\, \optional{, maxsplit=0}}
@ -474,8 +482,8 @@ symbolic groups were used in the pattern.
The pattern string from which the regex object was compiled. The pattern string from which the regex object was compiled.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\subsection{Match Objects} \subsection{MatchObjects}
Match objects support the following methods and attributes: \code{Matchobject} instances support the following methods and attributes:
\begin{funcdesc}{start}{group} \begin{funcdesc}{start}{group}
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
@ -504,23 +512,28 @@ Note that if \var{group} did not contribute to the match, this is
\code{(None, None)}. \code{(None, None)}.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{group}{\optional{g1, g2, ...})} \begin{funcdesc}{group}{\optional{g1, g2, ...}}
This method is only valid when the last call to the \code{match} Returns one or more groups of the match. If there is a single
or \code{search} method found a match. It returns one or more \var{index} argument, the result is a single string; if there are
groups of the match. If there is a single \var{index} argument, multiple arguments, the result is a tuple with one item per argument.
the result is a single string; if there are multiple arguments, the If the \var{index} is zero, the corresponding return value is the
result is a tuple with one item per argument. If the \var{index} is entire matching string; if it is in the inclusive range [1..99], it is
zero, the corresponding return value is the entire matching string; if the string matching the the corresponding parenthesized group. If no
it is in the inclusive range [1..99], it is the string matching the such group exists, the corresponding result is
the corresponding parenthesized group (using the default syntax, \code{None}.
groups are parenthesized using \code{\e (} and \code{\e )}). If no
such group exists, the corresponding result is \code{None}.
If the regular expression uses the \code{(?P<\var{name}>...)} syntax, If the regular expression uses the \code{(?P<\var{name}>...)} syntax,
the \var{index} arguments may also be strings identifying groups by the \var{index} arguments may also be strings identifying groups by
their group name. their group name.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{groups}{}
Return a tuple containing all the subgroups of the match, from 1 up to
however many groups are in the pattern. Groups that did not
participate in the match have values of \code{None}. If the tuple
would only be one element long, a string will be returned instead.
\end{funcdesc}
\begin{datadesc}{pos} \begin{datadesc}{pos}
The value of \var{pos} which was passed to the The value of \var{pos} which was passed to the
\code{search} or \code{match} function. This is the index into the \code{search} or \code{match} function. This is the index into the
@ -534,8 +547,8 @@ string beyond which the regex engine will not go.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\begin{datadesc}{re} \begin{datadesc}{re}
The regular expression object whose match() or search() method The regular expression object whose \code{match()} or \code{search()} method
produced this match object. produced this \code{MatchObject} instance.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\begin{datadesc}{string} \begin{datadesc}{string}
@ -545,4 +558,3 @@ The string passed to \code{match()} or \code{search()}.
\begin{seealso} \begin{seealso}
\seetext Jeffrey Friedl, \emph{Mastering Regular Expressions}. \seetext Jeffrey Friedl, \emph{Mastering Regular Expressions}.
\end{seealso} \end{seealso}

174
Doc/libre.tex
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@ -4,9 +4,7 @@
\bimodindex{re} \bimodindex{re}
% XXX Remove before 1.5final release. % XXX Remove before 1.5final release.
{\large\bf The \code{re} module is still in the process of being {\large\bf This documentation is also preliminary and incomplete. If you
developed, and more features will be added in future 1.5 alphas and
betas. This documentation is also preliminary and incomplete. If you
find a bug or documentation error, or just find something unclear, find a bug or documentation error, or just find something unclear,
please send a message to please send a message to
\code{string-sig@python.org}, and we'll fix it.} \code{string-sig@python.org}, and we'll fix it.}
@ -53,7 +51,7 @@ patterns will be expressed in Python code using this raw string notation.
%Similarly, a backslash followed by a digit 0-7 should be doubled to %Similarly, a backslash followed by a digit 0-7 should be doubled to
%avoid interpretation as an octal escape. %avoid interpretation as an octal escape.
\subsection{Regular Expressions} \subsection{Regular Expression Syntax}
A regular expression (or RE) specifies a set of strings that matches A regular expression (or RE) specifies a set of strings that matches
it; the functions in this module let you check if a particular string it; the functions in this module let you check if a particular string
@ -92,9 +90,10 @@ character except a newline. If the \code{DOTALL} flag has been
specified, this matches any character including a newline. specified, this matches any character including a newline.
\item[\code{\^}] (Caret.) Matches the start of the string, and in \item[\code{\^}] (Caret.) Matches the start of the string, and in
\code{MULTILINE} mode also immediately after each newline. \code{MULTILINE} mode also immediately after each newline.
\item[\code{\$}] Matches the end of the string. \item[\code{\$}] Matches the end of the string, and in
\code{MULTILINE} mode also matches before a newline.
\code{foo} matches both 'foo' and 'foobar', while the regular \code{foo} matches both 'foo' and 'foobar', while the regular
expression '\code{foo\$}' matches only 'foo'. expression \code{foo\$} matches only 'foo'.
% %
\item[\code{*}] Causes the resulting RE to \item[\code{*}] Causes the resulting RE to
match 0 or more repetitions of the preceding RE, as many repetitions match 0 or more repetitions of the preceding RE, as many repetitions
@ -130,17 +129,18 @@ sequence isn't recognized by Python's parser, the backslash and
subsequent character are included in the resulting string. However, subsequent character are included in the resulting string. However,
if Python would recognize the resulting sequence, the backslash should if Python would recognize the resulting sequence, the backslash should
be repeated twice. This is complicated and hard to understand, so be repeated twice. This is complicated and hard to understand, so
it's highly recommended that you use raw strings. it's highly recommended that you use raw strings for all but the simplest expressions.
% %
\item[\code{[]}] Used to indicate a set of characters. Characters can \item[\code{[]}] Used to indicate a set of characters. Characters can
be listed individually, or a range is indicated by giving two be listed individually, or a range of characters can be indicated by
characters and separating them by a '-'. Special characters are not giving two characters and separating them by a '-'. Special
active inside sets. For example, \code{[akm\$]} will match any of the characters are not active inside sets. For example, \code{[akm\$]}
characters 'a', 'k', 'm', or '\$'; \code{[a-z]} will match any will match any of the characters 'a', 'k', 'm', or '\$'; \code{[a-z]}
lowercase letter and \code{[a-zA-Z0-9]} matches any letter or digit. will match any lowercase letter and \code{[a-zA-Z0-9]} matches any
Character classes of the form \code{\e \var{X}} defined below are also acceptable. letter or digit. Character classes such as \code{\e w} or \code {\e
If you want to include a \code{]} or a \code{-} inside a S} (defined below) are also acceptable inside a range. If you want to
set, precede it with a backslash. include a \code{]} or a \code{-} inside a set, precede it with a
backslash.
Characters \emph{not} within a range can be matched by including a Characters \emph{not} within a range can be matched by including a
\code{\^} as the first character of the set; \code{\^} elsewhere will \code{\^} as the first character of the set; \code{\^} elsewhere will
@ -151,11 +151,11 @@ creates a regular expression that will match either A or B. This can
be used inside groups (see below) as well. To match a literal '|', be used inside groups (see below) as well. To match a literal '|',
use \code{\e|}, or enclose it inside a character class, like \code{[|]}. use \code{\e|}, or enclose it inside a character class, like \code{[|]}.
% %
\item[\code{(...)}] Matches whatever regular expression is inside the parentheses, and indicates the start and end of a group; the \item[\code{(...)}] Matches whatever regular expression is inside the
contents of a group can be retrieved after a match has been performed, parentheses, and indicates the start and end of a group; the contents
and can be matched later in the string with the of a group can be retrieved after a match has been performed, and can
\code{\e \var{number}} special sequence, described below. To match the be matched later in the string with the \code{\e \var{number}} special
literals '(' or ')', sequence, described below. To match the literals '(' or ')',
use \code{\e(} or \code{\e)}, or enclose them inside a character use \code{\e(} or \code{\e)}, or enclose them inside a character
class: \code{[(] [)]}. class: \code{[(] [)]}.
% %
@ -167,9 +167,9 @@ Following are the currently supported extensions.
\item[\code{(?iLmsx)}] (One or more letters from the set 'i', 'L', 'm', 's', \item[\code{(?iLmsx)}] (One or more letters from the set 'i', 'L', 'm', 's',
'x'.) The group matches the empty string; the letters set the 'x'.) The group matches the empty string; the letters set the
corresponding flags (re.I, re.L, re.M, re.S, re.X) for the entire regular corresponding flags (re.I, re.L, re.M, re.S, re.X) for the entire regular
expression. (The flag 'L' is uppercase because it is not in standard Perl.) expression. This is useful if you wish include the flags as part of
This is useful if you wish include the flags as part of the regular the regular expression, instead of passing a \var{flag} argument to
expression, instead of passing a \var{flag} argument to the \code{compile} function. the \code{compile} function.
% %
\item[\code{(?:...)}] A non-grouping version of regular parentheses. \item[\code{(?:...)}] A non-grouping version of regular parentheses.
Matches whatever's inside the parentheses, but the text matched by the Matches whatever's inside the parentheses, but the text matched by the
@ -183,12 +183,14 @@ symbolic group is also a numbered group, just as if the group were not
named. So the group named 'id' in the example above can also be named. So the group named 'id' in the example above can also be
referenced as the numbered group 1. referenced as the numbered group 1.
For example, if the pattern string is For example, if the pattern is
\code{r'(?P<id>[a-zA-Z_]\e w*)'}, the group can be referenced by its \code{(?P<id>[a-zA-Z_]\e w*)}, the group can be referenced by its
name in arguments to methods of match objects, such as \code{m.group('id')} name in arguments to methods of match objects, such as \code{m.group('id')}
or \code{m.end('id')}, and also by name in pattern text (e.g. \code{(?P=id)}) and or \code{m.end('id')}, and also by name in pattern text (e.g. \code{(?P=id)}) and
replacement text (e.g. \code{\e g<id>}). replacement text (e.g. \code{\e g<id>}).
% %
\item[\code{(?P=\var{name})}] Matches whatever text was matched by the earlier group named \var{name}.
%
\item[\code{(?\#...)}] A comment; the contents of the parentheses are simply ignored. \item[\code{(?\#...)}] A comment; the contents of the parentheses are simply ignored.
% %
\item[\code{(?=...)}] Matches if \code{...} matches next, but doesn't consume any of the string. This is called a lookahead assertion. For example, \item[\code{(?=...)}] Matches if \code{...} matches next, but doesn't consume any of the string. This is called a lookahead assertion. For example,
@ -203,8 +205,7 @@ For example,
The special sequences consist of '\code{\e}' and a character from the The special sequences consist of '\code{\e}' and a character from the
list below. If the ordinary character is not on the list, then the list below. If the ordinary character is not on the list, then the
resulting RE will match the second character. For example, resulting RE will match the second character. For example,
\code{\e\$} matches the character '\$'. Ones where the backslash \code{\e\$} matches the character '\$'.
should be doubled are indicated.
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
@ -222,7 +223,9 @@ as a group match, but as the character with octal value \var{number}.
\item[\code{\e b}] Matches the empty string, but only at the \item[\code{\e b}] Matches the empty string, but only at the
beginning or end of a word. A word is defined as a sequence of beginning or end of a word. A word is defined as a sequence of
alphanumeric characters, so the end of a word is indicated by alphanumeric characters, so the end of a word is indicated by
whitespace or a non-alphanumeric character. whitespace or a non-alphanumeric character. Inside a character range,
\code{\e b} represents the backspace character, for compatibility with
Python's string literals.
% %
\item[\code{\e B}] Matches the empty string, but only when it is \item[\code{\e B}] Matches the empty string, but only when it is
\emph{not} at the beginning or end of a word. \emph{not} at the beginning or end of a word.
@ -274,35 +277,42 @@ The module defines the following functions and constants, and an exception:
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item[I ] or IGNORECASE: \item {I or IGNORECASE or \code{(?i)}}
Perform case-insensitive matching; expressions like [A-Z] will match
lowercase letters, too.
\item[L ] or LOCALE: {Perform case-insensitive matching; expressions like \code{[A-Z]} will match
Make \code{\e w}, \code{\e W}, \code{\e b}, \code{\e B}, dependent on lowercase letters, too. This is not affected by the current locale.
the current locale. }
\item {L or LOCALE or \code{(?L)}}
\item[M ] or MULTILINE: {Make \code{\e w}, \code{\e W}, \code{\e b},
When specified, the pattern character \code{\^} matches at the \code{\e B}, dependent on the current locale.
beginning of the string and at the beginning of each line (immediately }
following each newline); and the pattern character \code{\$} matches
at the end of the string and at the end of each line (immediately
preceding each newline).
\item {M or MULTILINE or \code{(?m)}}
{When specified, the pattern character \code{\^} matches at the
beginning of the string and at the beginning of each line
(immediately following each newline); and the pattern character
\code{\$} matches at the end of the string and at the end of each line
(immediately preceding each newline).
By default, \code{\^} matches only at the beginning of the string, and By default, \code{\^} matches only at the beginning of the string, and
\code{\$} only at the end of the string and immediately before the \code{\$} only at the end of the string and immediately before the
newline (if any) at the end of the string. newline (if any) at the end of the string.
}
\item[S ] or DOTALL: \item {S or DOTALL or \code{(?s)}}
Make the \code{.} special character match a newline; without this
flag, \code{.} will match anything \emph{except} a newline.
\item[X ] or VERBOSE: {Make the \code{.} special character any character at all, including a
When specified, whitespace within the pattern string is ignored except newline; without this flag, \code{.} will match anything \emph{except}
when in a character class or preceded by an unescaped backslash, and, a newline.}
when a line contains a \code{\#} not in a character class or preceded
by an unescaped backslash, all characters from the leftmost such \item {X or VERBOSE or \code{(?x)}}
\code{\#} through the end of the line are ignored.
{Ignore whitespace within the pattern
except when in a character class or preceded by an unescaped
backslash, and, when a line contains a \code{\#} neither in a character
class or preceded by an unescaped backslash, all characters from the
leftmost such \code{\#} through the end of the line are ignored. }
\end{itemize} \end{itemize}
@ -319,8 +329,8 @@ is equivalent to
result = re.match(pat, str) result = re.match(pat, str)
\end{verbatim}\ecode \end{verbatim}\ecode
% %
but the version using \code{compile()} is more efficient when multiple but the version using \code{compile()} is more efficient when the
regular expressions are used concurrently in a single program. expression will be used several times in a single program.
%(The compiled version of the last pattern passed to \code{regex.match()} or %(The compiled version of the last pattern passed to \code{regex.match()} or
%\code{regex.search()} is cached, so programs that use only a single %\code{regex.search()} is cached, so programs that use only a single
%regular expression at a time needn't worry about compiling regular %regular expression at a time needn't worry about compiling regular
@ -328,9 +338,9 @@ regular expressions are used concurrently in a single program.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{escape}{string} \begin{funcdesc}{escape}{string}
Return \var{string} with all non-alphanumerics backslashed; this is Return \var{string} with all non-alphanumerics backslashed; this is
useful if you want to match some variable string which may have useful if you want to match an arbitrary literal string that may have
regular expression metacharacters in it. regular expression metacharacters in it.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{match}{pattern\, string\optional{\, flags}} \begin{funcdesc}{match}{pattern\, string\optional{\, flags}}
@ -382,9 +392,9 @@ replacement string. For example:
\end{verbatim}\ecode \end{verbatim}\ecode
% %
The pattern may be a string or a The pattern may be a string or a
regexp object; if you need to specify regex object; if you need to specify
regular expression flags, you must use a regexp object, or use regular expression flags, you must use a regex object, or use
embedded modifiers in a pattern string; e.g. embedded modifiers in a pattern; e.g.
% %
\bcode\begin{verbatim} \bcode\begin{verbatim}
sub("(?i)b+", "x", "bbbb BBBB") returns 'x x'. sub("(?i)b+", "x", "bbbb BBBB") returns 'x x'.
@ -418,16 +428,14 @@ attributes:
\begin{funcdesc}{match}{string\optional{\, pos}\optional{\, endpos}} \begin{funcdesc}{match}{string\optional{\, pos}\optional{\, endpos}}
If zero or more characters at the beginning of \var{string} match If zero or more characters at the beginning of \var{string} match
this regular expression, return a corresponding this regular expression, return a corresponding
\code{Match} object. Return \code{None} if the string does not \code{MatchObject} instance. Return \code{None} if the string does not
match the pattern; note that this is different from a zero-length match the pattern; note that this is different from a zero-length
match. match.
The optional second parameter \var{pos} gives an index in the string The optional second parameter \var{pos} gives an index in the string
where the search is to start; it defaults to \code{0}. This is not where the search is to start; it defaults to \code{0}. The
completely equivalent to slicing the string; the \code{'\^'} pattern \code{'\^'} pattern character will match at the index where the
character matches at the real begin of the string and at positions search is to start.
just after a newline, not necessarily at the index where the search
is to start.
The optional parameter \var{endpos} limits how far the string will The optional parameter \var{endpos} limits how far the string will
be searched; it will be as if the string is \var{endpos} characters be searched; it will be as if the string is \var{endpos} characters
@ -441,8 +449,8 @@ attributes:
position in the string matches the pattern; note that this is position in the string matches the pattern; note that this is
different from finding a zero-length match at some point in the string. different from finding a zero-length match at some point in the string.
The optional \var{pos} and \var{endpos} parameters have the same meaning as for the The optional \var{pos} and \var{endpos} parameters have the same
\code{match} method. meaning as for the \code{match} method.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{split}{string\, \optional{, maxsplit=0}} \begin{funcdesc}{split}{string\, \optional{, maxsplit=0}}
@ -474,8 +482,8 @@ symbolic groups were used in the pattern.
The pattern string from which the regex object was compiled. The pattern string from which the regex object was compiled.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\subsection{Match Objects} \subsection{MatchObjects}
Match objects support the following methods and attributes: \code{Matchobject} instances support the following methods and attributes:
\begin{funcdesc}{start}{group} \begin{funcdesc}{start}{group}
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
@ -504,23 +512,28 @@ Note that if \var{group} did not contribute to the match, this is
\code{(None, None)}. \code{(None, None)}.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{group}{\optional{g1, g2, ...})} \begin{funcdesc}{group}{\optional{g1, g2, ...}}
This method is only valid when the last call to the \code{match} Returns one or more groups of the match. If there is a single
or \code{search} method found a match. It returns one or more \var{index} argument, the result is a single string; if there are
groups of the match. If there is a single \var{index} argument, multiple arguments, the result is a tuple with one item per argument.
the result is a single string; if there are multiple arguments, the If the \var{index} is zero, the corresponding return value is the
result is a tuple with one item per argument. If the \var{index} is entire matching string; if it is in the inclusive range [1..99], it is
zero, the corresponding return value is the entire matching string; if the string matching the the corresponding parenthesized group. If no
it is in the inclusive range [1..99], it is the string matching the such group exists, the corresponding result is
the corresponding parenthesized group (using the default syntax, \code{None}.
groups are parenthesized using \code{\e (} and \code{\e )}). If no
such group exists, the corresponding result is \code{None}.
If the regular expression uses the \code{(?P<\var{name}>...)} syntax, If the regular expression uses the \code{(?P<\var{name}>...)} syntax,
the \var{index} arguments may also be strings identifying groups by the \var{index} arguments may also be strings identifying groups by
their group name. their group name.
\end{funcdesc} \end{funcdesc}
\begin{funcdesc}{groups}{}
Return a tuple containing all the subgroups of the match, from 1 up to
however many groups are in the pattern. Groups that did not
participate in the match have values of \code{None}. If the tuple
would only be one element long, a string will be returned instead.
\end{funcdesc}
\begin{datadesc}{pos} \begin{datadesc}{pos}
The value of \var{pos} which was passed to the The value of \var{pos} which was passed to the
\code{search} or \code{match} function. This is the index into the \code{search} or \code{match} function. This is the index into the
@ -534,8 +547,8 @@ string beyond which the regex engine will not go.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\begin{datadesc}{re} \begin{datadesc}{re}
The regular expression object whose match() or search() method The regular expression object whose \code{match()} or \code{search()} method
produced this match object. produced this \code{MatchObject} instance.
\end{datadesc} \end{datadesc}
\begin{datadesc}{string} \begin{datadesc}{string}
@ -545,4 +558,3 @@ The string passed to \code{match()} or \code{search()}.
\begin{seealso} \begin{seealso}
\seetext Jeffrey Friedl, \emph{Mastering Regular Expressions}. \seetext Jeffrey Friedl, \emph{Mastering Regular Expressions}.
\end{seealso} \end{seealso}