Simple explanation of Regex?

Question

Is there a simple explanation of how to create Regex find and replace patterns?
I need to convert Czech dates like 31. října 1967 to 31 October 1967 and that kind of thing. I know it should be easy, and I have just about figure out how to actually find expressions, but not how to replace them. I would love to find some kind of resource that would teach Regex to a complete newbie with zero knowlege of programming rather than having to ask people to come up with solutions for me.

Alison Field · Answer

Hi Lewis Paines 
 I'm sure Paul will be able to produce a regex that does what you want. 
 For a list of basic regular expressions most if not all of which should work with Studio, take a look here: 
 List_of_Regular_Expressions 
 There are tabbed pages with explanations in many languages beyond English. 
 For comprehensive explanations of regex in conjunction with Studio, I'm quoting a post ( here ) from over 5 years ago written by Paul as follows: 
 " Regular Expressions 
 These are simply a method for finding text based on a pattern as opposed to searching for the literal text. So if you wanted to find these four numbers 2, 4, 51, 178 in your text for example then instead of using four different searches you could use \d+ and this would find them all. Of course it can get more complex than this, and my example is loaded with "what if" scenarios, but as a general rule this is all they are. You can find some interesting articles on using regular expressions in Studio here: 
 
 Regular Expressions - Part 1 
 Regex&hellip; and &ldquo;economy of accuracy&rdquo; (Regular Expressions &ndash; Part 2) 
 Search and replace with Regex in Studio &ndash; Regular Expressions Part 3 
 DOGS and CATS&hellip; Regular Expressions Part 4! 
 
 You'll also find links to much more information on how to work with regex in the articles and the comments from many experienced users. Don't be put off by anything that looks complex at first sight either. Learning a few simple expressions can be incredibly powerful, and useful for you. Studio can use regular expressions in the display filter, in simple search and replace, in creating custom verification checks, in creating text based filetypes, in handling embedded content with XML, excel or text filetypes as well as in a number of very handy openexchange applications. 
 So worthy of a little time getting familiar with the basics... the more advanced stuff will come. You might even get hooked!" 
 I hope this helps, 
 All the best, 
 Ali

Alison Field · Answer

Hi again Lewis Paines 
 I have just remembered a post of my own on the subject of regex... Copied below: 
 Here's a very brief description of regular expressions in Studio 2019: 
 Finding regular expressions 
 There is further info in links on that page. 
 There's lots of info about regular expressions if you search the Help pages. 
 Help: Regular expressions search 
 For a pretty comprehensive list of regular expressions that should work with Studio, look here: 
 http://regexhero.net/reference/ 
 Plenty to be going on with... 
 All the best, 
 Ali

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Simple explanation of Regex?

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