> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:python- > [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Reedick, Andrew > Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 10:07 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; python-list@python.org > Subject: RE: How make regex that means "contains regex#1 but NOT > regex#2" ?? > > Match 'foo.*bar', except when 'not' appears between foo and bar. > > > import re > > s = 'fooAAABBBbar' > print "Should match:", s > m = re.match(r'(foo(.(?!not))*bar)', s); > if m: > print m.groups() > > print > > s = 'fooAAAnotBBBbar' > print "Should not match:", s > m = re.match(r'(foo(.(?!not))*bar)', s); > if m: > print m.groups() > > > == Output == > Should match: fooAAABBBbar > ('fooAAABBBbar', 'B') > > Should not match: fooAAAnotBBBbar >
Fixed a bug with 'foonotbar'. Conceptually it breaks down into: First_half_of_Regex#1(not Regex#2)(any_char_Not_followed_by_Regex#2)*Second_half_of_Regex#1 However, if possible, I would make it a two pass regex. Match on Regex#1, throw away any matches that then match on Regex#2. A two pass is faster and easier to code and understand. Easy to understand == less chance of a bug. If you're worried about performance, then a) a complicated regex may or may not be faster than two simple regexes, and b) if you're passing that much data through a regex, you're probably I/O bound anyway. import re ss = ('foobar', 'fooAAABBBbar', 'fooAAAnotBBBbar', 'fooAAAnotbar', 'foonotBBBbar', 'foonotbar') for s in ss: print s, m = re.match(r'(foo(?!not)(?:.(?!not))*bar)', s); if m: print m.groups() else: print == output == foobar ('foobar',) fooAAABBBbar ('fooAAABBBbar',) fooAAAnotBBBbar fooAAAnotbar foonotBBBbar foonotbar ***** The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential, proprietary, and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers. GA621 -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list