Using * works but using + doesn't work in matching MHI:;

Question posted by: poolboi (Familiar Sight) on May 16th, 2008 07:41 AM

hey guys,

another question for thoughts,

i'm matching this:

Code: ( text )

MHI:;

when i use

Code: ( text )

if($data1 =~ /^(\s\D\D\D:.+\;)/)

it doesn't match

but when i use

Code: ( text )

if($data1 =~ /^(\s\D\D\D:.+\;)/)

it matches

so why is it although i know "*" matches 0 or more times and "+" matches 1 or more times

Last edited by eWish : May 16th, 2008 at 08:25 PM. Reason: Fixed Code tag

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nithinpes

Expert

205 Posts

May 16th, 2008
09:45 AM
#2

Re: Using * works but using + doesn't work in matching MHI:;

You have posted this in a hurry! (both RE you posted are same). Anyway, In the string:

Code: ( text )

MHI:;

The colon(:) is immediately followed by semi-colon(;)
The RE in:

Code: ( text )

if($data1 =~ /^(\s\D\D\D:.+\;)/)

will try to match atleast one character between ':' and ';' , that's why it fails and the RE in

Code: ( text )

if($data1 =~ /^(\s\D\D\D:.*\;)/)

will work since it stands for 0 or more characters

Last edited by eWish : May 16th, 2008 at 08:27 PM. Reason: Removed quote to fix tag problem

poolboi

Familiar Sight

168 Posts

May 16th, 2008
04:31 PM
#3

Re: Using * works but using + doesn't work in matching MHI:;

alright.thanks once again

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