annotate lispref/searching.texi @ 70972:3ffa2f66a303

(menu-bar-apropos-menu): Move "Find Key in Manual" and "Find Command in Manual" to here.
author Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
date Fri, 26 May 2006 20:01:16 +0000
parents 0e29340d15dc
children 28a1d231aeec a8190f7e546e
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1 @c -*-texinfo-*-
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2 @c This is part of the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual.
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3 @c Copyright (C) 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003,
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4 @c 2004, 2005, 2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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5 @c See the file elisp.texi for copying conditions.
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6 @setfilename ../info/searching
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7 @node Searching and Matching, Syntax Tables, Non-ASCII Characters, Top
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8 @chapter Searching and Matching
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9 @cindex searching
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10
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11 GNU Emacs provides two ways to search through a buffer for specified
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12 text: exact string searches and regular expression searches. After a
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13 regular expression search, you can examine the @dfn{match data} to
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14 determine which text matched the whole regular expression or various
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15 portions of it.
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16
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17 @menu
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18 * String Search:: Search for an exact match.
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19 * Searching and Case:: Case-independent or case-significant searching.
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20 * Regular Expressions:: Describing classes of strings.
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21 * Regexp Search:: Searching for a match for a regexp.
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22 * POSIX Regexps:: Searching POSIX-style for the longest match.
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23 * Match Data:: Finding out which part of the text matched,
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24 after a string or regexp search.
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25 * Search and Replace:: Commands that loop, searching and replacing.
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26 * Standard Regexps:: Useful regexps for finding sentences, pages,...
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27 @end menu
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28
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29 The @samp{skip-chars@dots{}} functions also perform a kind of searching.
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30 @xref{Skipping Characters}.
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31
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32 @node String Search
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33 @section Searching for Strings
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34 @cindex string search
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35
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36 These are the primitive functions for searching through the text in a
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37 buffer. They are meant for use in programs, but you may call them
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38 interactively. If you do so, they prompt for the search string; the
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39 arguments @var{limit} and @var{noerror} are @code{nil}, and @var{repeat}
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40 is 1.
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41
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42 These search functions convert the search string to multibyte if the
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43 buffer is multibyte; they convert the search string to unibyte if the
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44 buffer is unibyte. @xref{Text Representations}.
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45
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46 @deffn Command search-forward string &optional limit noerror repeat
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47 This function searches forward from point for an exact match for
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48 @var{string}. If successful, it sets point to the end of the occurrence
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49 found, and returns the new value of point. If no match is found, the
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50 value and side effects depend on @var{noerror} (see below).
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51 @c Emacs 19 feature
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52
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53 In the following example, point is initially at the beginning of the
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54 line. Then @code{(search-forward "fox")} moves point after the last
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55 letter of @samp{fox}:
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56
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57 @example
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58 @group
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59 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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60 @point{}The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
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61 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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62 @end group
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63
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64 @group
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65 (search-forward "fox")
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66 @result{} 20
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67
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68 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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69 The quick brown fox@point{} jumped over the lazy dog.
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70 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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71 @end group
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72 @end example
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73
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74 The argument @var{limit} specifies the upper bound to the search. (It
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75 must be a position in the current buffer.) No match extending after
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76 that position is accepted. If @var{limit} is omitted or @code{nil}, it
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77 defaults to the end of the accessible portion of the buffer.
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78
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79 @kindex search-failed
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80 What happens when the search fails depends on the value of
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81 @var{noerror}. If @var{noerror} is @code{nil}, a @code{search-failed}
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82 error is signaled. If @var{noerror} is @code{t}, @code{search-forward}
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83 returns @code{nil} and does nothing. If @var{noerror} is neither
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84 @code{nil} nor @code{t}, then @code{search-forward} moves point to the
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85 upper bound and returns @code{nil}. (It would be more consistent now to
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86 return the new position of point in that case, but some existing
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87 programs may depend on a value of @code{nil}.)
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88
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89 The argument @var{noerror} only affects valid searches which fail to
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90 find a match. Invalid arguments cause errors regardless of
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91 @var{noerror}.
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92
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93 If @var{repeat} is supplied (it must be a positive number), then the
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94 search is repeated that many times (each time starting at the end of the
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95 previous time's match). If these successive searches succeed, the
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96 function succeeds, moving point and returning its new value. Otherwise
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97 the search fails, with results depending on the value of
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98 @var{noerror}, as described above.
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99 @end deffn
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100
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101 @deffn Command search-backward string &optional limit noerror repeat
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102 This function searches backward from point for @var{string}. It is
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103 just like @code{search-forward} except that it searches backwards and
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104 leaves point at the beginning of the match.
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105 @end deffn
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106
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107 @deffn Command word-search-forward string &optional limit noerror repeat
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108 @cindex word search
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109 This function searches forward from point for a ``word'' match for
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110 @var{string}. If it finds a match, it sets point to the end of the
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111 match found, and returns the new value of point.
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112 @c Emacs 19 feature
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113
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114 Word matching regards @var{string} as a sequence of words, disregarding
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115 punctuation that separates them. It searches the buffer for the same
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116 sequence of words. Each word must be distinct in the buffer (searching
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117 for the word @samp{ball} does not match the word @samp{balls}), but the
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118 details of punctuation and spacing are ignored (searching for @samp{ball
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119 boy} does match @samp{ball. Boy!}).
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120
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121 In this example, point is initially at the beginning of the buffer; the
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122 search leaves it between the @samp{y} and the @samp{!}.
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123
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124 @example
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125 @group
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126 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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127 @point{}He said "Please! Find
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128 the ball boy!"
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129 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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130 @end group
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131
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132 @group
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133 (word-search-forward "Please find the ball, boy.")
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134 @result{} 35
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135
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136 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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137 He said "Please! Find
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138 the ball boy@point{}!"
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139 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
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140 @end group
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141 @end example
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142
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143 If @var{limit} is non-@code{nil}, it must be a position in the current
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144 buffer; it specifies the upper bound to the search. The match found
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145 must not extend after that position.
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146
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147 If @var{noerror} is @code{nil}, then @code{word-search-forward} signals
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148 an error if the search fails. If @var{noerror} is @code{t}, then it
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149 returns @code{nil} instead of signaling an error. If @var{noerror} is
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150 neither @code{nil} nor @code{t}, it moves point to @var{limit} (or the
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151 end of the accessible portion of the buffer) and returns @code{nil}.
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152
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153 If @var{repeat} is non-@code{nil}, then the search is repeated that many
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154 times. Point is positioned at the end of the last match.
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155 @end deffn
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156
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157 @deffn Command word-search-backward string &optional limit noerror repeat
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158 This function searches backward from point for a word match to
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159 @var{string}. This function is just like @code{word-search-forward}
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160 except that it searches backward and normally leaves point at the
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161 beginning of the match.
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162 @end deffn
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163
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164 @node Searching and Case
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165 @section Searching and Case
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166 @cindex searching and case
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167
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168 By default, searches in Emacs ignore the case of the text they are
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169 searching through; if you specify searching for @samp{FOO}, then
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170 @samp{Foo} or @samp{foo} is also considered a match. This applies to
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171 regular expressions, too; thus, @samp{[aB]} would match @samp{a} or
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172 @samp{A} or @samp{b} or @samp{B}.
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173
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174 If you do not want this feature, set the variable
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175 @code{case-fold-search} to @code{nil}. Then all letters must match
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176 exactly, including case. This is a buffer-local variable; altering the
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177 variable affects only the current buffer. (@xref{Intro to
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178 Buffer-Local}.) Alternatively, you may change the value of
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179 @code{default-case-fold-search}, which is the default value of
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180 @code{case-fold-search} for buffers that do not override it.
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181
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182 Note that the user-level incremental search feature handles case
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183 distinctions differently. When given a lower case letter, it looks for
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184 a match of either case, but when given an upper case letter, it looks
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185 for an upper case letter only. But this has nothing to do with the
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186 searching functions used in Lisp code.
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187
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188 @defopt case-replace
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189 This variable determines whether the higher level replacement
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190 functions should preserve case. If the variable is @code{nil}, that
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191 means to use the replacement text verbatim. A non-@code{nil} value
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192 means to convert the case of the replacement text according to the
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193 text being replaced.
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194
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195 This variable is used by passing it as an argument to the function
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196 @code{replace-match}. @xref{Replacing Match}.
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197 @end defopt
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198
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199 @defopt case-fold-search
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200 This buffer-local variable determines whether searches should ignore
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201 case. If the variable is @code{nil} they do not ignore case; otherwise
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202 they do ignore case.
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203 @end defopt
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204
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205 @defvar default-case-fold-search
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206 The value of this variable is the default value for
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207 @code{case-fold-search} in buffers that do not override it. This is the
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208 same as @code{(default-value 'case-fold-search)}.
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209 @end defvar
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210
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211 @node Regular Expressions
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212 @section Regular Expressions
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213 @cindex regular expression
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214 @cindex regexp
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215
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216 A @dfn{regular expression} (@dfn{regexp}, for short) is a pattern that
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217 denotes a (possibly infinite) set of strings. Searching for matches for
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218 a regexp is a very powerful operation. This section explains how to write
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219 regexps; the following section says how to search for them.
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220
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221 @findex re-builder
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222 @cindex authoring regular expressions
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223 For convenient interactive development of regular expressions, you
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224 can use the @kbd{M-x re-builder} command. It provides a convenient
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225 interface for creating regular expressions, by giving immediate visual
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226 feedback in a separate buffer. As you edit the regexp, all its
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227 matches in the target buffer are highlighted. Each parenthesized
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228 sub-expression of the regexp is shown in a distinct face, which makes
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229 it easier to verify even very complex regexps.
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230
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231 @menu
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232 * Syntax of Regexps:: Rules for writing regular expressions.
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233 * Regexp Example:: Illustrates regular expression syntax.
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234 * Regexp Functions:: Functions for operating on regular expressions.
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235 @end menu
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236
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237 @node Syntax of Regexps
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238 @subsection Syntax of Regular Expressions
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239
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240 Regular expressions have a syntax in which a few characters are
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241 special constructs and the rest are @dfn{ordinary}. An ordinary
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242 character is a simple regular expression that matches that character
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243 and nothing else. The special characters are @samp{.}, @samp{*},
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244 @samp{+}, @samp{?}, @samp{[}, @samp{^}, @samp{$}, and @samp{\}; no new
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245 special characters will be defined in the future. The character
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246 @samp{]} is special if it ends a character alternative (see later).
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247 The character @samp{-} is special inside a character alternative. A
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248 @samp{[:} and balancing @samp{:]} enclose a character class inside a
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249 character alternative. Any other character appearing in a regular
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250 expression is ordinary, unless a @samp{\} precedes it.
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251
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252 For example, @samp{f} is not a special character, so it is ordinary, and
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253 therefore @samp{f} is a regular expression that matches the string
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254 @samp{f} and no other string. (It does @emph{not} match the string
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255 @samp{fg}, but it does match a @emph{part} of that string.) Likewise,
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256 @samp{o} is a regular expression that matches only @samp{o}.@refill
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257
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258 Any two regular expressions @var{a} and @var{b} can be concatenated. The
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259 result is a regular expression that matches a string if @var{a} matches
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260 some amount of the beginning of that string and @var{b} matches the rest of
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261 the string.@refill
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262
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263 As a simple example, we can concatenate the regular expressions @samp{f}
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264 and @samp{o} to get the regular expression @samp{fo}, which matches only
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265 the string @samp{fo}. Still trivial. To do something more powerful, you
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266 need to use one of the special regular expression constructs.
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267
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268 @menu
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269 * Regexp Special:: Special characters in regular expressions.
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270 * Char Classes:: Character classes used in regular expressions.
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271 * Regexp Backslash:: Backslash-sequences in regular expressions.
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272 @end menu
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273
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274 @node Regexp Special
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275 @subsubsection Special Characters in Regular Expressions
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276
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277 Here is a list of the characters that are special in a regular
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278 expression.
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279
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280 @need 800
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281 @table @asis
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282 @item @samp{.}@: @r{(Period)}
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283 @cindex @samp{.} in regexp
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284 is a special character that matches any single character except a newline.
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285 Using concatenation, we can make regular expressions like @samp{a.b}, which
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286 matches any three-character string that begins with @samp{a} and ends with
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287 @samp{b}.@refill
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288
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289 @item @samp{*}
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290 @cindex @samp{*} in regexp
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291 is not a construct by itself; it is a postfix operator that means to
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292 match the preceding regular expression repetitively as many times as
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293 possible. Thus, @samp{o*} matches any number of @samp{o}s (including no
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294 @samp{o}s).
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295
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296 @samp{*} always applies to the @emph{smallest} possible preceding
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297 expression. Thus, @samp{fo*} has a repeating @samp{o}, not a repeating
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298 @samp{fo}. It matches @samp{f}, @samp{fo}, @samp{foo}, and so on.
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299
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300 The matcher processes a @samp{*} construct by matching, immediately, as
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301 many repetitions as can be found. Then it continues with the rest of
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302 the pattern. If that fails, backtracking occurs, discarding some of the
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303 matches of the @samp{*}-modified construct in the hope that that will
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304 make it possible to match the rest of the pattern. For example, in
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305 matching @samp{ca*ar} against the string @samp{caaar}, the @samp{a*}
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306 first tries to match all three @samp{a}s; but the rest of the pattern is
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307 @samp{ar} and there is only @samp{r} left to match, so this try fails.
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308 The next alternative is for @samp{a*} to match only two @samp{a}s. With
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309 this choice, the rest of the regexp matches successfully.
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310
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311 @strong{Warning:} Nested repetition operators take a long time,
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312 or even forever, if they
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313 lead to ambiguous matching. For example, trying to match the regular
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314 expression @samp{\(x+y*\)*a} against the string
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315 @samp{xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxz} could take hours before it
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316 ultimately fails. Emacs must try each way of grouping the 35
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317 @samp{x}s before concluding that none of them can work. Even worse,
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318 @samp{\(x*\)*} can match the null string in infinitely many ways, so
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319 it causes an infinite loop. To avoid these problems, check nested
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320 repetitions carefully, to make sure that they do not cause combinatorial
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321 explosions in backtracking.
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322
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323 @item @samp{+}
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324 @cindex @samp{+} in regexp
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325 is a postfix operator, similar to @samp{*} except that it must match
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326 the preceding expression at least once. So, for example, @samp{ca+r}
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327 matches the strings @samp{car} and @samp{caaaar} but not the string
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328 @samp{cr}, whereas @samp{ca*r} matches all three strings.
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329
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330 @item @samp{?}
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331 @cindex @samp{?} in regexp
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332 is a postfix operator, similar to @samp{*} except that it must match the
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333 preceding expression either once or not at all. For example,
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334 @samp{ca?r} matches @samp{car} or @samp{cr}; nothing else.
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335
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336 @item @samp{*?}, @samp{+?}, @samp{??}
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337 These are ``non-greedy'' variants of the operators @samp{*}, @samp{+}
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338 and @samp{?}. Where those operators match the largest possible
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339 substring (consistent with matching the entire containing expression),
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340 the non-greedy variants match the smallest possible substring
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341 (consistent with matching the entire containing expression).
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342
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343 For example, the regular expression @samp{c[ad]*a} when applied to the
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344 string @samp{cdaaada} matches the whole string; but the regular
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345 expression @samp{c[ad]*?a}, applied to that same string, matches just
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346 @samp{cda}. (The smallest possible match here for @samp{[ad]*?} that
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347 permits the whole expression to match is @samp{d}.)
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348
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349 @item @samp{[ @dots{} ]}
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350 @cindex character alternative (in regexp)
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351 @cindex @samp{[} in regexp
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352 @cindex @samp{]} in regexp
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353 is a @dfn{character alternative}, which begins with @samp{[} and is
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354 terminated by @samp{]}. In the simplest case, the characters between
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355 the two brackets are what this character alternative can match.
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356
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357 Thus, @samp{[ad]} matches either one @samp{a} or one @samp{d}, and
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358 @samp{[ad]*} matches any string composed of just @samp{a}s and @samp{d}s
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359 (including the empty string), from which it follows that @samp{c[ad]*r}
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360 matches @samp{cr}, @samp{car}, @samp{cdr}, @samp{caddaar}, etc.
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361
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362 You can also include character ranges in a character alternative, by
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363 writing the starting and ending characters with a @samp{-} between them.
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364 Thus, @samp{[a-z]} matches any lower-case @acronym{ASCII} letter.
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365 Ranges may be intermixed freely with individual characters, as in
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366 @samp{[a-z$%.]}, which matches any lower case @acronym{ASCII} letter
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367 or @samp{$}, @samp{%} or period.
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368
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369 Note that the usual regexp special characters are not special inside a
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370 character alternative. A completely different set of characters is
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371 special inside character alternatives: @samp{]}, @samp{-} and @samp{^}.
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372
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373 To include a @samp{]} in a character alternative, you must make it the
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374 first character. For example, @samp{[]a]} matches @samp{]} or @samp{a}.
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375 To include a @samp{-}, write @samp{-} as the first or last character of
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376 the character alternative, or put it after a range. Thus, @samp{[]-]}
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377 matches both @samp{]} and @samp{-}.
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378
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379 To include @samp{^} in a character alternative, put it anywhere but at
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380 the beginning.
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381
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382 The beginning and end of a range of multibyte characters must be in
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383 the same character set (@pxref{Character Sets}). Thus,
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384 @code{"[\x8e0-\x97c]"} is invalid because character 0x8e0 (@samp{a}
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385 with grave accent) is in the Emacs character set for Latin-1 but the
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386 character 0x97c (@samp{u} with diaeresis) is in the Emacs character
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387 set for Latin-2. (We use Lisp string syntax to write that example,
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388 and a few others in the next few paragraphs, in order to include hex
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389 escape sequences in them.)
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390
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391 If a range starts with a unibyte character @var{c} and ends with a
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392 multibyte character @var{c2}, the range is divided into two parts: one
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393 is @samp{@var{c}..?\377}, the other is @samp{@var{c1}..@var{c2}}, where
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394 @var{c1} is the first character of the charset to which @var{c2}
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395 belongs.
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396
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397 You cannot always match all non-@acronym{ASCII} characters with the regular
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398 expression @code{"[\200-\377]"}. This works when searching a unibyte
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399 buffer or string (@pxref{Text Representations}), but not in a multibyte
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400 buffer or string, because many non-@acronym{ASCII} characters have codes
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401 above octal 0377. However, the regular expression @code{"[^\000-\177]"}
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402 does match all non-@acronym{ASCII} characters (see below regarding @samp{^}),
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403 in both multibyte and unibyte representations, because only the
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404 @acronym{ASCII} characters are excluded.
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405
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406 A character alternative can also specify named
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407 character classes (@pxref{Char Classes}). This is a POSIX feature whose
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408 syntax is @samp{[:@var{class}:]}. Using a character class is equivalent
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409 to mentioning each of the characters in that class; but the latter is
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410 not feasible in practice, since some classes include thousands of
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411 different characters.
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412
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413 @item @samp{[^ @dots{} ]}
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414 @cindex @samp{^} in regexp
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415 @samp{[^} begins a @dfn{complemented character alternative}. This
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416 matches any character except the ones specified. Thus,
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417 @samp{[^a-z0-9A-Z]} matches all characters @emph{except} letters and
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418 digits.
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419
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420 @samp{^} is not special in a character alternative unless it is the first
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421 character. The character following the @samp{^} is treated as if it
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422 were first (in other words, @samp{-} and @samp{]} are not special there).
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423
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424 A complemented character alternative can match a newline, unless newline is
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425 mentioned as one of the characters not to match. This is in contrast to
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426 the handling of regexps in programs such as @code{grep}.
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427
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428 @item @samp{^}
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429 @cindex beginning of line in regexp
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430 When matching a buffer, @samp{^} matches the empty string, but only at the
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431 beginning of a line in the text being matched (or the beginning of the
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432 accessible portion of the buffer). Otherwise it fails to match
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diff changeset
433 anything. Thus, @samp{^foo} matches a @samp{foo} that occurs at the
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434 beginning of a line.
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435
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436 When matching a string instead of a buffer, @samp{^} matches at the
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437 beginning of the string or after a newline character.
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438
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439 For historical compatibility reasons, @samp{^} can be used only at the
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440 beginning of the regular expression, or after @samp{\(} or @samp{\|}.
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441
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442 @item @samp{$}
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443 @cindex @samp{$} in regexp
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444 @cindex end of line in regexp
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445 is similar to @samp{^} but matches only at the end of a line (or the
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446 end of the accessible portion of the buffer). Thus, @samp{x+$}
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447 matches a string of one @samp{x} or more at the end of a line.
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448
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449 When matching a string instead of a buffer, @samp{$} matches at the end
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450 of the string or before a newline character.
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451
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452 For historical compatibility reasons, @samp{$} can be used only at the
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453 end of the regular expression, or before @samp{\)} or @samp{\|}.
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454
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455 @item @samp{\}
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456 @cindex @samp{\} in regexp
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457 has two functions: it quotes the special characters (including
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458 @samp{\}), and it introduces additional special constructs.
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459
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460 Because @samp{\} quotes special characters, @samp{\$} is a regular
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461 expression that matches only @samp{$}, and @samp{\[} is a regular
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462 expression that matches only @samp{[}, and so on.
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463
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464 Note that @samp{\} also has special meaning in the read syntax of Lisp
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465 strings (@pxref{String Type}), and must be quoted with @samp{\}. For
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466 example, the regular expression that matches the @samp{\} character is
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467 @samp{\\}. To write a Lisp string that contains the characters
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468 @samp{\\}, Lisp syntax requires you to quote each @samp{\} with another
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469 @samp{\}. Therefore, the read syntax for a regular expression matching
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470 @samp{\} is @code{"\\\\"}.@refill
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471 @end table
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472
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473 @strong{Please note:} For historical compatibility, special characters
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474 are treated as ordinary ones if they are in contexts where their special
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475 meanings make no sense. For example, @samp{*foo} treats @samp{*} as
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476 ordinary since there is no preceding expression on which the @samp{*}
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477 can act. It is poor practice to depend on this behavior; quote the
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478 special character anyway, regardless of where it appears.@refill
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479
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480 As a @samp{\} is not special inside a character alternative, it can
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481 never remove the special meaning of @samp{-} or @samp{]}. So you
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482 should not quote these characters when they have no special meaning
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483 either. This would not clarify anything, since backslashes can
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484 legitimately precede these characters where they @emph{have} special
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485 meaning, as in @samp{[^\]} (@code{"[^\\]"} for Lisp string syntax),
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486 which matches any single character except a backslash.
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487
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488 In practice, most @samp{]} that occur in regular expressions close a
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489 character alternative and hence are special. However, occasionally a
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490 regular expression may try to match a complex pattern of literal
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diff changeset
491 @samp{[} and @samp{]}. In such situations, it sometimes may be
b000598ecc11 (Syntax of Regexps): More accurately describe
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492 necessary to carefully parse the regexp from the start to determine
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493 which square brackets enclose a character alternative. For example,
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494 @samp{[^][]]} consists of the complemented character alternative
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495 @samp{[^][]} (which matches any single character that is not a square
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496 bracket), followed by a literal @samp{]}.
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497
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498 The exact rules are that at the beginning of a regexp, @samp{[} is
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499 special and @samp{]} not. This lasts until the first unquoted
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500 @samp{[}, after which we are in a character alternative; @samp{[} is
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diff changeset
501 no longer special (except when it starts a character class) but @samp{]}
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502 is special, unless it immediately follows the special @samp{[} or that
b000598ecc11 (Syntax of Regexps): More accurately describe
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
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503 @samp{[} followed by a @samp{^}. This lasts until the next special
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diff changeset
504 @samp{]} that does not end a character class. This ends the character
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parents: 68648
diff changeset
505 alternative and restores the ordinary syntax of regular expressions;
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parents: 68648
diff changeset
506 an unquoted @samp{[} is special again and a @samp{]} not.
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507
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508 @node Char Classes
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509 @subsubsection Character Classes
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510 @cindex character classes in regexp
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511
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512 Here is a table of the classes you can use in a character alternative,
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parents: 58349
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513 and what they mean:
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514
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515 @table @samp
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516 @item [:ascii:]
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517 This matches any @acronym{ASCII} (unibyte) character.
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518 @item [:alnum:]
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519 This matches any letter or digit. (At present, for multibyte
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520 characters, it matches anything that has word syntax.)
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521 @item [:alpha:]
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522 This matches any letter. (At present, for multibyte characters, it
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523 matches anything that has word syntax.)
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524 @item [:blank:]
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525 This matches space and tab only.
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526 @item [:cntrl:]
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diff changeset
527 This matches any @acronym{ASCII} control character.
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528 @item [:digit:]
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529 This matches @samp{0} through @samp{9}. Thus, @samp{[-+[:digit:]]}
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530 matches any digit, as well as @samp{+} and @samp{-}.
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531 @item [:graph:]
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532 This matches graphic characters---everything except @acronym{ASCII} control
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533 characters, space, and the delete character.
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534 @item [:lower:]
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535 This matches any lower-case letter, as determined by
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536 the current case table (@pxref{Case Tables}).
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537 @item [:nonascii:]
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538 This matches any non-@acronym{ASCII} (multibyte) character.
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539 @item [:print:]
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diff changeset
540 This matches printing characters---everything except @acronym{ASCII} control
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541 characters and the delete character.
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542 @item [:punct:]
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543 This matches any punctuation character. (At present, for multibyte
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544 characters, it matches anything that has non-word syntax.)
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545 @item [:space:]
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546 This matches any character that has whitespace syntax
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547 (@pxref{Syntax Class Table}).
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548 @item [:upper:]
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549 This matches any upper-case letter, as determined by
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550 the current case table (@pxref{Case Tables}).
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551 @item [:word:]
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552 This matches any character that has word syntax (@pxref{Syntax Class
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553 Table}).
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554 @item [:xdigit:]
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555 This matches the hexadecimal digits: @samp{0} through @samp{9}, @samp{a}
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556 through @samp{f} and @samp{A} through @samp{F}.
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557 @end table
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558
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559 @node Regexp Backslash
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560 @subsubsection Backslash Constructs in Regular Expressions
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561
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562 For the most part, @samp{\} followed by any character matches only
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563 that character. However, there are several exceptions: certain
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564 two-character sequences starting with @samp{\} that have special
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parents: 25089
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565 meanings. (The character after the @samp{\} in such a sequence is
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parents: 25089
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566 always ordinary when used on its own.) Here is a table of the special
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567 @samp{\} constructs.
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568
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569 @table @samp
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570 @item \|
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571 @cindex @samp{|} in regexp
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572 @cindex regexp alternative
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573 specifies an alternative.
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574 Two regular expressions @var{a} and @var{b} with @samp{\|} in
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575 between form an expression that matches anything that either @var{a} or
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576 @var{b} matches.@refill
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577
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578 Thus, @samp{foo\|bar} matches either @samp{foo} or @samp{bar}
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579 but no other string.@refill
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580
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581 @samp{\|} applies to the largest possible surrounding expressions. Only a
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582 surrounding @samp{\( @dots{} \)} grouping can limit the grouping power of
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583 @samp{\|}.@refill
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584
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585 If you need full backtracking capability to handle multiple uses of
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586 @samp{\|}, use the POSIX regular expression functions (@pxref{POSIX
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587 Regexps}).
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588
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589 @item \@{@var{m}\@}
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590 is a postfix operator that repeats the previous pattern exactly @var{m}
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591 times. Thus, @samp{x\@{5\@}} matches the string @samp{xxxxx}
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592 and nothing else. @samp{c[ad]\@{3\@}r} matches string such as
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593 @samp{caaar}, @samp{cdddr}, @samp{cadar}, and so on.
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594
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595 @item \@{@var{m},@var{n}\@}
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596 is a more general postfix operator that specifies repetition with a
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597 minimum of @var{m} repeats and a maximum of @var{n} repeats. If @var{m}
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598 is omitted, the minimum is 0; if @var{n} is omitted, there is no
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599 maximum.
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600
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601 For example, @samp{c[ad]\@{1,2\@}r} matches the strings @samp{car},
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602 @samp{cdr}, @samp{caar}, @samp{cadr}, @samp{cdar}, and @samp{cddr}, and
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603 nothing else.@*
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604 @samp{\@{0,1\@}} or @samp{\@{,1\@}} is equivalent to @samp{?}. @*
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605 @samp{\@{0,\@}} or @samp{\@{,\@}} is equivalent to @samp{*}. @*
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606 @samp{\@{1,\@}} is equivalent to @samp{+}.
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607
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608 @item \( @dots{} \)
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609 @cindex @samp{(} in regexp
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610 @cindex @samp{)} in regexp
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611 @cindex regexp grouping
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612 is a grouping construct that serves three purposes:
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613
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614 @enumerate
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615 @item
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616 To enclose a set of @samp{\|} alternatives for other operations. Thus,
981e116b4ac6 Minor cleanups for overfull hboxes.
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617 the regular expression @samp{\(foo\|bar\)x} matches either @samp{foox}
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618 or @samp{barx}.
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619
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620 @item
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621 To enclose a complicated expression for the postfix operators @samp{*},
aa0b21b54684 Update regexp syntax from Emacs manual.
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622 @samp{+} and @samp{?} to operate on. Thus, @samp{ba\(na\)*} matches
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623 @samp{ba}, @samp{bana}, @samp{banana}, @samp{bananana}, etc., with any
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624 number (zero or more) of @samp{na} strings.
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625
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626 @item
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627 To record a matched substring for future reference with
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628 @samp{\@var{digit}} (see below).
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629 @end enumerate
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630
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631 This last application is not a consequence of the idea of a
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632 parenthetical grouping; it is a separate feature that was assigned as a
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633 second meaning to the same @samp{\( @dots{} \)} construct because, in
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diff changeset
634 practice, there was usually no conflict between the two meanings. But
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635 occasionally there is a conflict, and that led to the introduction of
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636 shy groups.
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637
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638 @item \(?: @dots{} \)
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639 is the @dfn{shy group} construct. A shy group serves the first two
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640 purposes of an ordinary group (controlling the nesting of other
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641 operators), but it does not get a number, so you cannot refer back to
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642 its value with @samp{\@var{digit}}.
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643
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644 Shy groups are particularly useful for mechanically-constructed regular
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645 expressions because they can be added automatically without altering the
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646 numbering of any ordinary, non-shy groups.
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647
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648 @item \@var{digit}
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649 matches the same text that matched the @var{digit}th occurrence of a
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650 grouping (@samp{\( @dots{} \)}) construct.
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651
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652 In other words, after the end of a group, the matcher remembers the
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653 beginning and end of the text matched by that group. Later on in the
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parents: 38927
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654 regular expression you can use @samp{\} followed by @var{digit} to
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655 match that same text, whatever it may have been.
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656
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657 The strings matching the first nine grouping constructs appearing in
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658 the entire regular expression passed to a search or matching function
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659 are assigned numbers 1 through 9 in the order that the open
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660 parentheses appear in the regular expression. So you can use
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661 @samp{\1} through @samp{\9} to refer to the text matched by the
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diff changeset
662 corresponding grouping constructs.
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663
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664 For example, @samp{\(.*\)\1} matches any newline-free string that is
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665 composed of two identical halves. The @samp{\(.*\)} matches the first
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666 half, which may be anything, but the @samp{\1} that follows must match
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667 the same exact text.
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668
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669 If a @samp{\( @dots{} \)} construct matches more than once (which can
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670 happen, for instance, if it is followed by @samp{*}), only the last
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671 match is recorded.
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672
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673 If a particular grouping construct in the regular expression was never
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674 matched---for instance, if it appears inside of an alternative that
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parents: 38927
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675 wasn't used, or inside of a repetition that repeated zero times---then
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676 the corresponding @samp{\@var{digit}} construct never matches
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677 anything. To use an artificial example,, @samp{\(foo\(b*\)\|lose\)\2}
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
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678 cannot match @samp{lose}: the second alternative inside the larger
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679 group matches it, but then @samp{\2} is undefined and can't match
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680 anything. But it can match @samp{foobb}, because the first
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parents: 38927
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681 alternative matches @samp{foob} and @samp{\2} matches @samp{b}.
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682
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683 @item \w
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684 @cindex @samp{\w} in regexp
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685 matches any word-constituent character. The editor syntax table
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686 determines which characters these are. @xref{Syntax Tables}.
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687
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688 @item \W
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689 @cindex @samp{\W} in regexp
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690 matches any character that is not a word constituent.
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691
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692 @item \s@var{code}
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parents:
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693 @cindex @samp{\s} in regexp
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694 matches any character whose syntax is @var{code}. Here @var{code} is a
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695 character that represents a syntax code: thus, @samp{w} for word
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696 constituent, @samp{-} for whitespace, @samp{(} for open parenthesis,
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697 etc. To represent whitespace syntax, use either @samp{-} or a space
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698 character. @xref{Syntax Class Table}, for a list of syntax codes and
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699 the characters that stand for them.
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700
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701 @item \S@var{code}
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702 @cindex @samp{\S} in regexp
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703 matches any character whose syntax is not @var{code}.
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704
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705 @item \c@var{c}
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706 matches any character whose category is @var{c}. Here @var{c} is a
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parents: 32464
diff changeset
707 character that represents a category: thus, @samp{c} for Chinese
d3872b19023d (Regexp Backslash): categories.
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parents: 32464
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708 characters or @samp{g} for Greek characters in the standard category
d3872b19023d (Regexp Backslash): categories.
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parents: 32464
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709 table.
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710
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parents: 32464
diff changeset
711 @item \C@var{c}
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712 matches any character whose category is not @var{c}.
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713 @end table
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714
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715 The following regular expression constructs match the empty string---that is,
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716 they don't use up any characters---but whether they match depends on the
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
717 context. For all, the beginning and end of the accessible portion of
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
718 the buffer are treated as if they were the actual beginning and end of
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
719 the buffer.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
720
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
721 @table @samp
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
722 @item \`
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
723 @cindex @samp{\`} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
724 matches the empty string, but only at the beginning
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
725 of the buffer or string being matched against.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
726
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
727 @item \'
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
728 @cindex @samp{\'} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
729 matches the empty string, but only at the end of
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
730 the buffer or string being matched against.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
731
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
732 @item \=
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
733 @cindex @samp{\=} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
734 matches the empty string, but only at point.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
735 (This construct is not defined when matching against a string.)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
736
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
737 @item \b
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
738 @cindex @samp{\b} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
739 matches the empty string, but only at the beginning or
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
740 end of a word. Thus, @samp{\bfoo\b} matches any occurrence of
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
741 @samp{foo} as a separate word. @samp{\bballs?\b} matches
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
742 @samp{ball} or @samp{balls} as a separate word.@refill
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
743
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
744 @samp{\b} matches at the beginning or end of the buffer (or string)
17884
aa0b21b54684 Update regexp syntax from Emacs manual.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 16736
diff changeset
745 regardless of what text appears next to it.
aa0b21b54684 Update regexp syntax from Emacs manual.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 16736
diff changeset
746
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
747 @item \B
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
748 @cindex @samp{\B} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
749 matches the empty string, but @emph{not} at the beginning or
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
750 end of a word, nor at the beginning or end of the buffer (or string).
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
751
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
752 @item \<
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
753 @cindex @samp{\<} in regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
754 matches the empty string, but only at the beginning of a word.
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
755 @samp{\<} matches at the beginning of the buffer (or string) only if a
17884
aa0b21b54684 Update regexp syntax from Emacs manual.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 16736
diff changeset
756 word-constituent character follows.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
757
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
758 @item \>
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
759 @cindex @samp{\>} in regexp
17884
aa0b21b54684 Update regexp syntax from Emacs manual.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 16736
diff changeset
760 matches the empty string, but only at the end of a word. @samp{\>}
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
761 matches at the end of the buffer (or string) only if the contents end
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
762 with a word-constituent character.
56439
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
763
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
764 @item \_<
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
765 @cindex @samp{\_<} in regexp
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
766 matches the empty string, but only at the beginning of a symbol. A
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
767 symbol is a sequence of one or more word or symbol constituent
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
768 characters. @samp{\_<} matches at the beginning of the buffer (or
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
769 string) only if a symbol-constituent character follows.
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
770
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
771 @item \_>
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
772 @cindex @samp{\_>} in regexp
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
773 matches the empty string, but only at the end of a symbol. @samp{\_>}
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
774 matches at the end of the buffer (or string) only if the contents end
7cc505680b75 (Regexp Backslash): Document new \_< and \_> operators.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 56313
diff changeset
775 with a symbol-constituent character.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
776 @end table
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
777
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
778 @kindex invalid-regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
779 Not every string is a valid regular expression. For example, a string
69330
b000598ecc11 (Syntax of Regexps): More accurately describe
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 68648
diff changeset
780 that ends inside a character alternative without terminating @samp{]}
b000598ecc11 (Syntax of Regexps): More accurately describe
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 68648
diff changeset
781 is invalid, and so is a string that ends with a single @samp{\}. If
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
782 an invalid regular expression is passed to any of the search functions,
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
783 an @code{invalid-regexp} error is signaled.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
784
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
785 @node Regexp Example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
786 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
787 @subsection Complex Regexp Example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
788
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
789 Here is a complicated regexp which was formerly used by Emacs to
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
790 recognize the end of a sentence together with any whitespace that
57403
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
791 follows. (Nowadays Emacs uses a similar but more complex default
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
792 regexp constructed by the function @code{sentence-end}.
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
793 @xref{Standard Regexps}.)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
794
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
795 First, we show the regexp as a string in Lisp syntax to distinguish
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
796 spaces from tab characters. The string constant begins and ends with a
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
797 double-quote. @samp{\"} stands for a double-quote as part of the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
798 string, @samp{\\} for a backslash as part of the string, @samp{\t} for a
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
799 tab and @samp{\n} for a newline.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
800
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
801 @example
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
802 "[.?!][]\"')@}]*\\($\\| $\\|\t\\|@ @ \\)[ \t\n]*"
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
803 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
804
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
805 @noindent
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
806 In contrast, if you evaluate this string, you will see the following:
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
807
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
808 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
809 @group
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
810 "[.?!][]\"')@}]*\\($\\| $\\|\t\\|@ @ \\)[ \t\n]*"
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
811 @result{} "[.?!][]\"')@}]*\\($\\| $\\| \\|@ @ \\)[
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
812 ]*"
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
813 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
814 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
815
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
816 @noindent
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
817 In this output, tab and newline appear as themselves.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
818
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
819 This regular expression contains four parts in succession and can be
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
820 deciphered as follows:
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
821
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
822 @table @code
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
823 @item [.?!]
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
824 The first part of the pattern is a character alternative that matches
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
825 any one of three characters: period, question mark, and exclamation
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
826 mark. The match must begin with one of these three characters. (This
57403
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
827 is one point where the new default regexp used by Emacs differs from
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
828 the old. The new value also allows some non-@acronym{ASCII}
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
829 characters that end a sentence without any following whitespace.)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
830
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
831 @item []\"')@}]*
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
832 The second part of the pattern matches any closing braces and quotation
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
833 marks, zero or more of them, that may follow the period, question mark
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
834 or exclamation mark. The @code{\"} is Lisp syntax for a double-quote in
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
835 a string. The @samp{*} at the end indicates that the immediately
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
836 preceding regular expression (a character alternative, in this case) may be
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
837 repeated zero or more times.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
838
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
839 @item \\($\\|@ $\\|\t\\|@ @ \\)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
840 The third part of the pattern matches the whitespace that follows the
21007
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
841 end of a sentence: the end of a line (optionally with a space), or a
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
842 tab, or two spaces. The double backslashes mark the parentheses and
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
843 vertical bars as regular expression syntax; the parentheses delimit a
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
844 group and the vertical bars separate alternatives. The dollar sign is
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
845 used to match the end of a line.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
846
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
847 @item [ \t\n]*
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
848 Finally, the last part of the pattern matches any additional whitespace
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
849 beyond the minimum needed to end a sentence.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
850 @end table
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
851
25751
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
852 @node Regexp Functions
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
853 @subsection Regular Expression Functions
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
854
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
855 These functions operate on regular expressions.
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
856
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
857 @defun regexp-quote string
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
858 This function returns a regular expression whose only exact match is
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
859 @var{string}. Using this regular expression in @code{looking-at} will
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
860 succeed only if the next characters in the buffer are @var{string};
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
861 using it in a search function will succeed if the text being searched
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
862 contains @var{string}.
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
863
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
864 This allows you to request an exact string match or search when calling
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
865 a function that wants a regular expression.
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
866
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
867 @example
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
868 @group
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
869 (regexp-quote "^The cat$")
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
870 @result{} "\\^The cat\\$"
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
871 @end group
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Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
872 @end example
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
873
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
874 One use of @code{regexp-quote} is to combine an exact string match with
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
875 context described as a regular expression. For example, this searches
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
876 for the string that is the value of @var{string}, surrounded by
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
877 whitespace:
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
878
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
879 @example
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
880 @group
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
881 (re-search-forward
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
882 (concat "\\s-" (regexp-quote string) "\\s-"))
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
883 @end group
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
884 @end example
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
885 @end defun
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
886
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
887 @defun regexp-opt strings &optional paren
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
888 This function returns an efficient regular expression that will match
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
889 any of the strings in the list @var{strings}. This is useful when you
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
890 need to make matching or searching as fast as possible---for example,
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
891 for Font Lock mode.
25751
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
892
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
893 If the optional argument @var{paren} is non-@code{nil}, then the
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
894 returned regular expression is always enclosed by at least one
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
895 parentheses-grouping construct. If @var{paren} is @code{words}, then
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
896 that construct is additionally surrounded by @samp{\<} and @samp{\>}.
25751
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
897
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
898 This simplified definition of @code{regexp-opt} produces a
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
899 regular expression which is equivalent to the actual value
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
900 (but not as efficient):
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
901
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
902 @example
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
903 (defun regexp-opt (strings paren)
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
904 (let ((open-paren (if paren "\\(" ""))
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
905 (close-paren (if paren "\\)" "")))
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
906 (concat open-paren
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
907 (mapconcat 'regexp-quote strings "\\|")
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
908 close-paren)))
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
909 @end example
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Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
910 @end defun
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Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
911
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
912 @defun regexp-opt-depth regexp
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
913 This function returns the total number of grouping constructs
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
914 (parenthesized expressions) in @var{regexp}. (This does not include
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
915 shy groups.)
25751
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
916 @end defun
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parents: 25089
diff changeset
917
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
918 @node Regexp Search
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
919 @section Regular Expression Searching
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
920 @cindex regular expression searching
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
921 @cindex regexp searching
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
922 @cindex searching for regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
923
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
924 In GNU Emacs, you can search for the next match for a regular
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
925 expression either incrementally or not. For incremental search
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
926 commands, see @ref{Regexp Search, , Regular Expression Search, emacs,
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
927 The GNU Emacs Manual}. Here we describe only the search functions
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
928 useful in programs. The principal one is @code{re-search-forward}.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
929
21007
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
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parents: 17886
diff changeset
930 These search functions convert the regular expression to multibyte if
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
931 the buffer is multibyte; they convert the regular expression to unibyte
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
932 if the buffer is unibyte. @xref{Text Representations}.
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
933
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
934 @deffn Command re-search-forward regexp &optional limit noerror repeat
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
935 This function searches forward in the current buffer for a string of
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
936 text that is matched by the regular expression @var{regexp}. The
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
937 function skips over any amount of text that is not matched by
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
938 @var{regexp}, and leaves point at the end of the first match found.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
939 It returns the new value of point.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
940
60678
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
941 If @var{limit} is non-@code{nil}, it must be a position in the current
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
942 buffer. It specifies the upper bound to the search. No match
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
943 extending after that position is accepted.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
944
60678
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
945 If @var{repeat} is supplied, it must be a positive number; the search
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
946 is repeated that many times; each repetition starts at the end of the
64115
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
947 previous match. If all these successive searches succeed, the search
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
948 succeeds, moving point and returning its new value. Otherwise the
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
949 search fails. What @code{re-search-forward} does when the search
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
950 fails depends on the value of @var{noerror}:
21007
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
951
64115
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
952 @table @asis
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
953 @item @code{nil}
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
954 Signal a @code{search-failed} error.
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
955 @item @code{t}
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
956 Do nothing and return @code{nil}.
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
957 @item anything else
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
958 Move point to @var{limit} (or the end of the accessible portion of the
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
959 buffer) and return @code{nil}.
23d3e1c615ee (Regexp Search): Clarify what re-search-forward does when the search fails.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 63663
diff changeset
960 @end table
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
961
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
962 In the following example, point is initially before the @samp{T}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
963 Evaluating the search call moves point to the end of that line (between
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
964 the @samp{t} of @samp{hat} and the newline).
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
965
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
966 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
967 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
968 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
969 I read "@point{}The cat in the hat
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
970 comes back" twice.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
971 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
972 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
973
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
974 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
975 (re-search-forward "[a-z]+" nil t 5)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
976 @result{} 27
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
977
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
978 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
979 I read "The cat in the hat@point{}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
980 comes back" twice.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
981 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
982 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
983 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
984 @end deffn
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
985
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
986 @deffn Command re-search-backward regexp &optional limit noerror repeat
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
987 This function searches backward in the current buffer for a string of
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
988 text that is matched by the regular expression @var{regexp}, leaving
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
989 point at the beginning of the first text found.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
990
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
991 This function is analogous to @code{re-search-forward}, but they are not
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
992 simple mirror images. @code{re-search-forward} finds the match whose
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
993 beginning is as close as possible to the starting point. If
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
994 @code{re-search-backward} were a perfect mirror image, it would find the
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
995 match whose end is as close as possible. However, in fact it finds the
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
996 match whose beginning is as close as possible (and yet ends before the
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
997 starting point). The reason for this is that matching a regular
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
998 expression at a given spot always works from beginning to end, and
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
999 starts at a specified beginning position.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1000
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
1001 A true mirror-image of @code{re-search-forward} would require a special
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1002 feature for matching regular expressions from end to beginning. It's
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1003 not worth the trouble of implementing that.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
1004 @end deffn
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1005
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1006 @defun string-match regexp string &optional start
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1007 This function returns the index of the start of the first match for
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1008 the regular expression @var{regexp} in @var{string}, or @code{nil} if
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1009 there is no match. If @var{start} is non-@code{nil}, the search starts
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1010 at that index in @var{string}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
1011
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1012 For example,
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1013
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
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parents:
diff changeset
1014 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1015 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1016 (string-match
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1017 "quick" "The quick brown fox jumped quickly.")
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1018 @result{} 4
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1019 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1020 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1021 (string-match
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1022 "quick" "The quick brown fox jumped quickly." 8)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1023 @result{} 27
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1024 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1025 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1026
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1027 @noindent
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1028 The index of the first character of the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1029 string is 0, the index of the second character is 1, and so on.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1030
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1031 After this function returns, the index of the first character beyond
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1032 the match is available as @code{(match-end 0)}. @xref{Match Data}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1033
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1034 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1035 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1036 (string-match
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1037 "quick" "The quick brown fox jumped quickly." 8)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1038 @result{} 27
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1039 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1040
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1041 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1042 (match-end 0)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1043 @result{} 32
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1044 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1045 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1046 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1047
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1048 @defun looking-at regexp
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1049 This function determines whether the text in the current buffer directly
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1050 following point matches the regular expression @var{regexp}. ``Directly
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1051 following'' means precisely that: the search is ``anchored'' and it can
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1052 succeed only starting with the first character following point. The
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1053 result is @code{t} if so, @code{nil} otherwise.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1054
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1055 This function does not move point, but it updates the match data, which
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1056 you can access using @code{match-beginning} and @code{match-end}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1057 @xref{Match Data}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1058
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1059 In this example, point is located directly before the @samp{T}. If it
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1060 were anywhere else, the result would be @code{nil}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1061
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1062 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1063 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1064 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1065 I read "@point{}The cat in the hat
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1066 comes back" twice.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1067 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1068
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1069 (looking-at "The cat in the hat$")
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1070 @result{} t
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1071 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1072 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1073 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1074
57252
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1075 @defun looking-back regexp &optional limit
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1076 This function returns @code{t} if @var{regexp} matches text before
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1077 point, ending at point, and @code{nil} otherwise.
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1078
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1079 Because regular expression matching works only going forward, this is
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1080 implemented by searching backwards from point for a match that ends at
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1081 point. That can be quite slow if it has to search a long distance.
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1082 You can bound the time required by specifying @var{limit}, which says
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1083 not to search before @var{limit}. In this case, the match that is
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1084 found must begin at or after @var{limit}.
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1085
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1086 @example
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1087 @group
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1088 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1089 I read "@point{}The cat in the hat
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1090 comes back" twice.
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1091 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1092
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1093 (looking-back "read \"" 3)
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1094 @result{} t
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1095 (looking-back "read \"" 4)
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1096 @result{} nil
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1097 @end group
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1098 @end example
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1099 @end defun
a325c378e9bb (Regexp Search): Add looking-back.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 56439
diff changeset
1100
58349
e497e4d0b665 (Regexp Search): Rename that to search-spaces-regexp.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 58329
diff changeset
1101 @defvar search-spaces-regexp
58329
30f22485a11e (Regexp Search): Add search-whitespace-regexp.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 57403
diff changeset
1102 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, it should be a regular expression
30f22485a11e (Regexp Search): Add search-whitespace-regexp.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 57403
diff changeset
1103 that says how to search for whitespace. In that case, any group of
60678
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1104 spaces in a regular expression being searched for stands for use of
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1105 this regular expression. However, spaces inside of constructs such as
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1106 @samp{[@dots{}]} and @samp{*}, @samp{+}, @samp{?} are not affected by
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1107 @code{search-spaces-regexp}.
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1108
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1109 Since this variable affects all regular expression search and match
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1110 constructs, you should bind it temporarily for as small as possible
b41b3abcbecf (String Search, Regexp Search, Regexp Search): Cleanups.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60453
diff changeset
1111 a part of the code.
58329
30f22485a11e (Regexp Search): Add search-whitespace-regexp.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 57403
diff changeset
1112 @end defvar
30f22485a11e (Regexp Search): Add search-whitespace-regexp.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 57403
diff changeset
1113
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1114 @node POSIX Regexps
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1115 @section POSIX Regular Expression Searching
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1116
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1117 The usual regular expression functions do backtracking when necessary
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1118 to handle the @samp{\|} and repetition constructs, but they continue
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1119 this only until they find @emph{some} match. Then they succeed and
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1120 report the first match found.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1121
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1122 This section describes alternative search functions which perform the
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1123 full backtracking specified by the POSIX standard for regular expression
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1124 matching. They continue backtracking until they have tried all
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1125 possibilities and found all matches, so they can report the longest
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1126 match, as required by POSIX. This is much slower, so use these
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1127 functions only when you really need the longest match.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1128
49959
264cc4bc5c57 Clarify about POSIX functions and non-greedy repetition operators.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49809
diff changeset
1129 The POSIX search and match functions do not properly support the
264cc4bc5c57 Clarify about POSIX functions and non-greedy repetition operators.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49809
diff changeset
1130 non-greedy repetition operators. This is because POSIX backtracking
264cc4bc5c57 Clarify about POSIX functions and non-greedy repetition operators.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49809
diff changeset
1131 conflicts with the semantics of non-greedy repetition.
264cc4bc5c57 Clarify about POSIX functions and non-greedy repetition operators.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49809
diff changeset
1132
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1133 @defun posix-search-forward regexp &optional limit noerror repeat
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1134 This is like @code{re-search-forward} except that it performs the full
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1135 backtracking specified by the POSIX standard for regular expression
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1136 matching.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1137 @end defun
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1138
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1139 @defun posix-search-backward regexp &optional limit noerror repeat
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1140 This is like @code{re-search-backward} except that it performs the full
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1141 backtracking specified by the POSIX standard for regular expression
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1142 matching.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1143 @end defun
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1144
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1145 @defun posix-looking-at regexp
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1146 This is like @code{looking-at} except that it performs the full
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1147 backtracking specified by the POSIX standard for regular expression
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1148 matching.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1149 @end defun
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1150
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1151 @defun posix-string-match regexp string &optional start
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1152 This is like @code{string-match} except that it performs the full
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1153 backtracking specified by the POSIX standard for regular expression
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1154 matching.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1155 @end defun
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1156
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1157 @node Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1158 @section The Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1159 @cindex match data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1160
25089
309fe4eb6522 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 24934
diff changeset
1161 Emacs keeps track of the start and end positions of the segments of
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1162 text found during a search; this is called the @dfn{match data}.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1163 Thanks to the match data, you can search for a complex pattern, such
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1164 as a date in a mail message, and then extract parts of the match under
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1165 control of the pattern.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1166
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1167 Because the match data normally describe the most recent search only,
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1168 you must be careful not to do another search inadvertently between the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1169 search you wish to refer back to and the use of the match data. If you
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1170 can't avoid another intervening search, you must save and restore the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1171 match data around it, to prevent it from being overwritten.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1172
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1173 @menu
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1174 * Replacing Match:: Replacing a substring that was matched.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1175 * Simple Match Data:: Accessing single items of match data,
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1176 such as where a particular subexpression started.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1177 * Entire Match Data:: Accessing the entire match data at once, as a list.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1178 * Saving Match Data:: Saving and restoring the match data.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1179 @end menu
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1180
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1181 @node Replacing Match
25751
467b88fab665 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 25089
diff changeset
1182 @subsection Replacing the Text that Matched
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1183
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1184 This function replaces all or part of the text matched by the last
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1185 search. It works by means of the match data.
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1186
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1187 @cindex case in replacements
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1188 @defun replace-match replacement &optional fixedcase literal string subexp
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1189 This function replaces the text in the buffer (or in @var{string}) that
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1190 was matched by the last search. It replaces that text with
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1191 @var{replacement}.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1192
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1193 If you did the last search in a buffer, you should specify @code{nil}
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1194 for @var{string} and make sure that the current buffer when you call
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1195 @code{replace-match} is the one in which you did the searching or
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1196 matching. Then @code{replace-match} does the replacement by editing
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1197 the buffer; it leaves point at the end of the replacement text, and
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1198 returns @code{t}.
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1199
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1200 If you did the search in a string, pass the same string as @var{string}.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1201 Then @code{replace-match} does the replacement by constructing and
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1202 returning a new string.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1203
45104
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1204 If @var{fixedcase} is non-@code{nil}, then @code{replace-match} uses
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1205 the replacement text without case conversion; otherwise, it converts
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1206 the replacement text depending upon the capitalization of the text to
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1207 be replaced. If the original text is all upper case, this converts
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1208 the replacement text to upper case. If all words of the original text
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1209 are capitalized, this capitalizes all the words of the replacement
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1210 text. If all the words are one-letter and they are all upper case,
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1211 they are treated as capitalized words rather than all-upper-case
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1212 words.
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1213
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1214 If @var{literal} is non-@code{nil}, then @var{replacement} is inserted
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1215 exactly as it is, the only alterations being case changes as needed.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1216 If it is @code{nil} (the default), then the character @samp{\} is treated
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1217 specially. If a @samp{\} appears in @var{replacement}, then it must be
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1218 part of one of the following sequences:
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1219
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1220 @table @asis
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1221 @item @samp{\&}
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1222 @cindex @samp{&} in replacement
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1223 @samp{\&} stands for the entire text being replaced.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1224
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1225 @item @samp{\@var{n}}
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1226 @cindex @samp{\@var{n}} in replacement
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1227 @samp{\@var{n}}, where @var{n} is a digit, stands for the text that
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1228 matched the @var{n}th subexpression in the original regexp.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1229 Subexpressions are those expressions grouped inside @samp{\(@dots{}\)}.
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1230 If the @var{n}th subexpression never matched, an empty string is substituted.
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1231
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1232 @item @samp{\\}
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1233 @cindex @samp{\} in replacement
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1234 @samp{\\} stands for a single @samp{\} in the replacement text.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1235 @end table
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1236
45104
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1237 These substitutions occur after case conversion, if any,
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1238 so the strings they substitute are never case-converted.
441493d3bba0 Clarify how replace-match does case conversion.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 41939
diff changeset
1239
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1240 If @var{subexp} is non-@code{nil}, that says to replace just
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1241 subexpression number @var{subexp} of the regexp that was matched, not
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1242 the entire match. For example, after matching @samp{foo \(ba*r\)},
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1243 calling @code{replace-match} with 1 as @var{subexp} means to replace
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1244 just the text that matched @samp{\(ba*r\)}.
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1245 @end defun
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1246
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1247 @node Simple Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1248 @subsection Simple Match Data Access
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1249
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1250 This section explains how to use the match data to find out what was
49809
4556482b5d22 Clarify that match data is unpredictable after failing searches.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49600
diff changeset
1251 matched by the last search or match operation, if it succeeded.
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1252
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1253 You can ask about the entire matching text, or about a particular
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1254 parenthetical subexpression of a regular expression. The @var{count}
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1255 argument in the functions below specifies which. If @var{count} is
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1256 zero, you are asking about the entire match. If @var{count} is
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1257 positive, it specifies which subexpression you want.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1258
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1259 Recall that the subexpressions of a regular expression are those
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1260 expressions grouped with escaped parentheses, @samp{\(@dots{}\)}. The
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1261 @var{count}th subexpression is found by counting occurrences of
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1262 @samp{\(} from the beginning of the whole regular expression. The first
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1263 subexpression is numbered 1, the second 2, and so on. Only regular
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1264 expressions can have subexpressions---after a simple string search, the
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1265 only information available is about the entire match.
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1266
70741
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1267 Every successful search sets the match data. Therefore, you should
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1268 query the match data immediately after searching, before calling any
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1269 other function that might perform another search. Alternatively, you
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1270 may save and restore the match data (@pxref{Saving Match Data}) around
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1271 the call to functions that could perform another search.
0e29340d15dc (Simple Match Data): Warn about match data being set anew by every search.
Eli Zaretskii <eliz@gnu.org>
parents: 70692
diff changeset
1272
22138
d4ac295a98b3 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21682
diff changeset
1273 A search which fails may or may not alter the match data. In the
d4ac295a98b3 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21682
diff changeset
1274 past, a failing search did not do this, but we may change it in the
49809
4556482b5d22 Clarify that match data is unpredictable after failing searches.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49600
diff changeset
1275 future. So don't try to rely on the value of the match data after
4556482b5d22 Clarify that match data is unpredictable after failing searches.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 49600
diff changeset
1276 a failing search.
22138
d4ac295a98b3 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21682
diff changeset
1277
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1278 @defun match-string count &optional in-string
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1279 This function returns, as a string, the text matched in the last search
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1280 or match operation. It returns the entire text if @var{count} is zero,
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1281 or just the portion corresponding to the @var{count}th parenthetical
39166
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1282 subexpression, if @var{count} is positive.
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1283
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1284 If the last such operation was done against a string with
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1285 @code{string-match}, then you should pass the same string as the
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1286 argument @var{in-string}. After a buffer search or match,
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1287 you should omit @var{in-string} or pass @code{nil} for it; but you
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1288 should make sure that the current buffer when you call
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1289 @code{match-string} is the one in which you did the searching or
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1290 matching.
39166
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1291
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1292 The value is @code{nil} if @var{count} is out of range, or for a
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1293 subexpression inside a @samp{\|} alternative that wasn't used or a
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1294 repetition that repeated zero times.
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1295 @end defun
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1296
26288
6119687f6888 Patch from rms.
Gerd Moellmann <gerd@gnu.org>
parents: 25751
diff changeset
1297 @defun match-string-no-properties count &optional in-string
21007
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
1298 This function is like @code{match-string} except that the result
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
1299 has no text properties.
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
1300 @end defun
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
1301
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1302 @defun match-beginning count
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1303 This function returns the position of the start of text matched by the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1304 last regular expression searched for, or a subexpression of it.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1305
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
1306 If @var{count} is zero, then the value is the position of the start of
12125
995be67f3fd1 updates for version 19.29.
Melissa Weisshaus <melissa@gnu.org>
parents: 12098
diff changeset
1307 the entire match. Otherwise, @var{count} specifies a subexpression in
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1308 the regular expression, and the value of the function is the starting
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1309 position of the match for that subexpression.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1310
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1311 The value is @code{nil} for a subexpression inside a @samp{\|}
39166
f0bfa8a7d472 Explain clearly what \digit does when that grouping
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 38927
diff changeset
1312 alternative that wasn't used or a repetition that repeated zero times.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1313 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1314
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1315 @defun match-end count
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1316 This function is like @code{match-beginning} except that it returns the
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1317 position of the end of the match, rather than the position of the
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1318 beginning.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1319 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1320
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1321 Here is an example of using the match data, with a comment showing the
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1322 positions within the text:
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1323
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1324 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1325 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1326 (string-match "\\(qu\\)\\(ick\\)"
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1327 "The quick fox jumped quickly.")
49600
23a1cea22d13 Trailing whitespace deleted.
Juanma Barranquero <lekktu@gmail.com>
parents: 48701
diff changeset
1328 ;0123456789
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1329 @result{} 4
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1330 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1331
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1332 @group
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1333 (match-string 0 "The quick fox jumped quickly.")
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1334 @result{} "quick"
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1335 (match-string 1 "The quick fox jumped quickly.")
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1336 @result{} "qu"
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1337 (match-string 2 "The quick fox jumped quickly.")
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1338 @result{} "ick"
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1339 @end group
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1340
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1341 @group
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1342 (match-beginning 1) ; @r{The beginning of the match}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1343 @result{} 4 ; @r{with @samp{qu} is at index 4.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1344 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1345
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1346 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1347 (match-beginning 2) ; @r{The beginning of the match}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1348 @result{} 6 ; @r{with @samp{ick} is at index 6.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1349 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1350
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1351 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1352 (match-end 1) ; @r{The end of the match}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1353 @result{} 6 ; @r{with @samp{qu} is at index 6.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1354
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1355 (match-end 2) ; @r{The end of the match}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1356 @result{} 9 ; @r{with @samp{ick} is at index 9.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1357 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1358 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1359
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1360 Here is another example. Point is initially located at the beginning
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1361 of the line. Searching moves point to between the space and the word
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1362 @samp{in}. The beginning of the entire match is at the 9th character of
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1363 the buffer (@samp{T}), and the beginning of the match for the first
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1364 subexpression is at the 13th character (@samp{c}).
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1365
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1366 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1367 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1368 (list
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1369 (re-search-forward "The \\(cat \\)")
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1370 (match-beginning 0)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1371 (match-beginning 1))
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
1372 @result{} (9 9 13)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1373 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1374
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1375 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1376 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1377 I read "The cat @point{}in the hat comes back" twice.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1378 ^ ^
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1379 9 13
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1380 ---------- Buffer: foo ----------
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1381 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1382 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1383
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1384 @noindent
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1385 (In this case, the index returned is a buffer position; the first
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1386 character of the buffer counts as 1.)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1387
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1388 @node Entire Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1389 @subsection Accessing the Entire Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1390
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1391 The functions @code{match-data} and @code{set-match-data} read or
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1392 write the entire match data, all at once.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1393
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1394 @defun match-data &optional integers reuse reseat
63135
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1395 This function returns a list of positions (markers or integers) that
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1396 record all the information on what text the last search matched.
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1397 Element zero is the position of the beginning of the match for the
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1398 whole expression; element one is the position of the end of the match
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1399 for the expression. The next two elements are the positions of the
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1400 beginning and end of the match for the first subexpression, and so on.
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1401 In general, element
27193
89afca54a135 @ifinto -> @ifnottex.
Gerd Moellmann <gerd@gnu.org>
parents: 27189
diff changeset
1402 @ifnottex
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1403 number 2@var{n}
27193
89afca54a135 @ifinto -> @ifnottex.
Gerd Moellmann <gerd@gnu.org>
parents: 27189
diff changeset
1404 @end ifnottex
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1405 @tex
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1406 number {\mathsurround=0pt $2n$}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1407 @end tex
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1408 corresponds to @code{(match-beginning @var{n})}; and
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1409 element
27193
89afca54a135 @ifinto -> @ifnottex.
Gerd Moellmann <gerd@gnu.org>
parents: 27189
diff changeset
1410 @ifnottex
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1411 number 2@var{n} + 1
27193
89afca54a135 @ifinto -> @ifnottex.
Gerd Moellmann <gerd@gnu.org>
parents: 27189
diff changeset
1412 @end ifnottex
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1413 @tex
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1414 number {\mathsurround=0pt $2n+1$}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1415 @end tex
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1416 corresponds to @code{(match-end @var{n})}.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1417
63135
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1418 Normally all the elements are markers or @code{nil}, but if
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1419 @var{integers} is non-@code{nil}, that means to use integers instead
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1420 of markers. (In that case, the buffer itself is appended as an
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1421 additional element at the end of the list, to facilitate complete
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1422 restoration of the match data.) If the last match was done on a
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1423 string with @code{string-match}, then integers are always used,
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1424 since markers can't point into a string.
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1425
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1426 If @var{reuse} is non-@code{nil}, it should be a list. In that case,
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1427 @code{match-data} stores the match data in @var{reuse}. That is,
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1428 @var{reuse} is destructively modified. @var{reuse} does not need to
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1429 have the right length. If it is not long enough to contain the match
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1430 data, it is extended. If it is too long, the length of @var{reuse}
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1431 stays the same, but the elements that were not used are set to
63135
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1432 @code{nil}. The purpose of this feature is to reduce the need for
ade1be8b63fd (Entire Match Data): Clarify when match-data
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 60678
diff changeset
1433 garbage collection.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1434
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1435 If @var{reseat} is non-@code{nil}, all markers on the @var{reuse} list
63663
c4d74e911908 (Entire Match Data): Remove evaporate option for
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63583
diff changeset
1436 are reseated to point to nowhere.
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1437
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1438 As always, there must be no possibility of intervening searches between
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1439 the call to a search function and the call to @code{match-data} that is
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1440 intended to access the match data for that search.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1441
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1442 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1443 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1444 (match-data)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1445 @result{} (#<marker at 9 in foo>
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1446 #<marker at 17 in foo>
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1447 #<marker at 13 in foo>
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1448 #<marker at 17 in foo>)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1449 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1450 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1451 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1452
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1453 @defun set-match-data match-list &optional reseat
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1454 This function sets the match data from the elements of @var{match-list},
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1455 which should be a list that was the value of a previous call to
41939
e9a4c1f03019 Minor clarifications for search-forward and set-match-data.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 39166
diff changeset
1456 @code{match-data}. (More precisely, anything that has the same format
e9a4c1f03019 Minor clarifications for search-forward and set-match-data.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 39166
diff changeset
1457 will work.)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1458
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1459 If @var{match-list} refers to a buffer that doesn't exist, you don't get
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1460 an error; that sets the match data in a meaningless but harmless way.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1461
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1462 If @var{reseat} is non-@code{nil}, all markers on the @var{match-list} list
63663
c4d74e911908 (Entire Match Data): Remove evaporate option for
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63583
diff changeset
1463 are reseated to point to nowhere.
63153
286783f742e6 (Entire Match Data): Explain new `reseat' argument to
Kim F. Storm <storm@cua.dk>
parents: 63135
diff changeset
1464
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1465 @findex store-match-data
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1466 @code{store-match-data} is a semi-obsolete alias for @code{set-match-data}.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1467 @end defun
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1468
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1469 @node Saving Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1470 @subsection Saving and Restoring the Match Data
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1471
10038
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1472 When you call a function that may do a search, you may need to save
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1473 and restore the match data around that call, if you want to preserve the
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1474 match data from an earlier search for later use. Here is an example
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1475 that shows the problem that arises if you fail to save the match data:
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1476
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1477 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1478 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1479 (re-search-forward "The \\(cat \\)")
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1480 @result{} 48
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1481 (foo) ; @r{Perhaps @code{foo} does}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1482 ; @r{more searching.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1483 (match-end 0)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1484 @result{} 61 ; @r{Unexpected result---not 48!}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1485 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1486 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1487
10038
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1488 You can save and restore the match data with @code{save-match-data}:
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1489
12098
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1490 @defmac save-match-data body@dots{}
22252
40089afa2b1d *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 22138
diff changeset
1491 This macro executes @var{body}, saving and restoring the match
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1492 data around it. The return value is the value of the last form in
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1493 @var{body}.
12098
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1494 @end defmac
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1495
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1496 You could use @code{set-match-data} together with @code{match-data} to
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1497 imitate the effect of the special form @code{save-match-data}. Here is
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1498 how:
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1499
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1500 @example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1501 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1502 (let ((data (match-data)))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1503 (unwind-protect
21007
66d807bdc5b4 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 17886
diff changeset
1504 @dots{} ; @r{Ok to change the original match data.}
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1505 (set-match-data data)))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1506 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1507 @end example
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1508
10038
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1509 Emacs automatically saves and restores the match data when it runs
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1510 process filter functions (@pxref{Filter Functions}) and process
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1511 sentinels (@pxref{Sentinels}).
6b8e51b286c6 Filters and sentinels now save match data themselves.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8469
diff changeset
1512
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1513 @ignore
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1514 Here is a function which restores the match data provided the buffer
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1515 associated with it still exists.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1516
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1517 @smallexample
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1518 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1519 (defun restore-match-data (data)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1520 @c It is incorrect to split the first line of a doc string.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1521 @c If there's a problem here, it should be solved in some other way.
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1522 "Restore the match data DATA unless the buffer is missing."
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1523 (catch 'foo
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1524 (let ((d data))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1525 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1526 (while d
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1527 (and (car d)
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1528 (null (marker-buffer (car d)))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1529 @group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1530 ;; @file{match-data} @r{buffer is deleted.}
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1531 (throw 'foo nil))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1532 (setq d (cdr d)))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1533 (set-match-data data))))
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1534 @end group
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1535 @end smallexample
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1536 @end ignore
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1537
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1538 @node Search and Replace
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1539 @section Search and Replace
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1540 @cindex replacement
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1541
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1542 If you want to find all matches for a regexp in part of the buffer,
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1543 and replace them, the best way is to write an explicit loop using
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1544 @code{re-search-forward} and @code{replace-match}, like this:
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1545
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1546 @example
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1547 (while (re-search-forward "foo[ \t]+bar" nil t)
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1548 (replace-match "foobar"))
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1549 @end example
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1550
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1551 @noindent
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1552 @xref{Replacing Match,, Replacing the Text that Matched}, for a
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1553 description of @code{replace-match}.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1554
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1555 However, replacing matches in a string is more complex, especially
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1556 if you want to do it efficiently. So Emacs provides a function to do
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1557 this.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1558
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1559 @defun replace-regexp-in-string regexp rep string &optional fixedcase literal subexp start
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1560 This function copies @var{string} and searches it for matches for
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1561 @var{regexp}, and replaces them with @var{rep}. It returns the
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1562 modified copy. If @var{start} is non-@code{nil}, the search for
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1563 matches starts at that index in @var{string}, so matches starting
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1564 before that index are not changed.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1565
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1566 This function uses @code{replace-match} to do the replacement, and it
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1567 passes the optional arguments @var{fixedcase}, @var{literal} and
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1568 @var{subexp} along to @code{replace-match}.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1569
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1570 Instead of a string, @var{rep} can be a function. In that case,
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1571 @code{replace-regexp-in-string} calls @var{rep} for each match,
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1572 passing the text of the match as its sole argument. It collects the
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1573 value @var{rep} returns and passes that to @code{replace-match} as the
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1574 replacement string. The match-data at this point are the result
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1575 of matching @var{regexp} against a substring of @var{string}.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1576 @end defun
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1577
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1578 If you want to write a command along the lines of @code{query-replace},
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1579 you can use @code{perform-replace} to do the work.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1580
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1581 @defun perform-replace from-string replacements query-flag regexp-flag delimited-flag &optional repeat-count map start end
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1582 This function is the guts of @code{query-replace} and related
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1583 commands. It searches for occurrences of @var{from-string} in the
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1584 text between positions @var{start} and @var{end} and replaces some or
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1585 all of them. If @var{start} is @code{nil} (or omitted), point is used
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1586 instead, and the end of the buffer's accessible portion is used for
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1587 @var{end}.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1588
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1589 If @var{query-flag} is @code{nil}, it replaces all
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1590 occurrences; otherwise, it asks the user what to do about each one.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1591
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1592 If @var{regexp-flag} is non-@code{nil}, then @var{from-string} is
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1593 considered a regular expression; otherwise, it must match literally. If
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1594 @var{delimited-flag} is non-@code{nil}, then only replacements
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1595 surrounded by word boundaries are considered.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1596
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1597 The argument @var{replacements} specifies what to replace occurrences
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1598 with. If it is a string, that string is used. It can also be a list of
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1599 strings, to be used in cyclic order.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1600
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1601 If @var{replacements} is a cons cell, @code{(@var{function}
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1602 . @var{data})}, this means to call @var{function} after each match to
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1603 get the replacement text. This function is called with two arguments:
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1604 @var{data}, and the number of replacements already made.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1605
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1606 If @var{repeat-count} is non-@code{nil}, it should be an integer. Then
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1607 it specifies how many times to use each of the strings in the
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1608 @var{replacements} list before advancing cyclically to the next one.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1609
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1610 If @var{from-string} contains upper-case letters, then
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1611 @code{perform-replace} binds @code{case-fold-search} to @code{nil}, and
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1612 it uses the @code{replacements} without altering the case of them.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1613
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1614 Normally, the keymap @code{query-replace-map} defines the possible
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1615 user responses for queries. The argument @var{map}, if
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1616 non-@code{nil}, specifies a keymap to use instead of
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1617 @code{query-replace-map}.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1618 @end defun
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1619
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1620 @defvar query-replace-map
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1621 This variable holds a special keymap that defines the valid user
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1622 responses for @code{perform-replace} and the commands that use it, as
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1623 well as @code{y-or-n-p} and @code{map-y-or-n-p}. This map is unusual
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1624 in two ways:
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1625
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1626 @itemize @bullet
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1627 @item
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1628 The ``key bindings'' are not commands, just symbols that are meaningful
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1629 to the functions that use this map.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1630
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1631 @item
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1632 Prefix keys are not supported; each key binding must be for a
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1633 single-event key sequence. This is because the functions don't use
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1634 @code{read-key-sequence} to get the input; instead, they read a single
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1635 event and look it up ``by hand.''
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1636 @end itemize
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1637 @end defvar
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1638
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1639 Here are the meaningful ``bindings'' for @code{query-replace-map}.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1640 Several of them are meaningful only for @code{query-replace} and
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1641 friends.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1642
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1643 @table @code
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1644 @item act
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1645 Do take the action being considered---in other words, ``yes.''
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
1646
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1647 @item skip
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1648 Do not take action for this question---in other words, ``no.''
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1649
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1650 @item exit
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1651 Answer this question ``no,'' and give up on the entire series of
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1652 questions, assuming that the answers will be ``no.''
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1653
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1654 @item act-and-exit
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1655 Answer this question ``yes,'' and give up on the entire series of
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1656 questions, assuming that subsequent answers will be ``no.''
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1657
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1658 @item act-and-show
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1659 Answer this question ``yes,'' but show the results---don't advance yet
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1660 to the next question.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1661
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1662 @item automatic
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1663 Answer this question and all subsequent questions in the series with
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1664 ``yes,'' without further user interaction.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1665
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1666 @item backup
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1667 Move back to the previous place that a question was asked about.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1668
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1669 @item edit
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1670 Enter a recursive edit to deal with this question---instead of any
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1671 other action that would normally be taken.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1672
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1673 @item delete-and-edit
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1674 Delete the text being considered, then enter a recursive edit to replace
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1675 it.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1676
65182
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1677 @item recenter
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1678 Redisplay and center the window, then ask the same question again.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1679
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1680 @item quit
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1681 Perform a quit right away. Only @code{y-or-n-p} and related functions
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1682 use this answer.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1683
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1684 @item help
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1685 Display some help, then ask again.
54da3e88d8f6 (Searching and Matching): Move node.
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 65122
diff changeset
1686 @end table
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1687
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1688 @node Standard Regexps
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1689 @section Standard Regular Expressions Used in Editing
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1690 @cindex regexps used standardly in editing
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1691 @cindex standard regexps used in editing
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1692
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1693 This section describes some variables that hold regular expressions
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1694 used for certain purposes in editing:
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1695
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1696 @defvar page-delimiter
21682
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1697 This is the regular expression describing line-beginnings that separate
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1698 pages. The default value is @code{"^\014"} (i.e., @code{"^^L"} or
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1699 @code{"^\C-l"}); this matches a line that starts with a formfeed
90da2489c498 *** empty log message ***
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 21007
diff changeset
1700 character.
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1701 @end defvar
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1702
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1703 The following two regular expressions should @emph{not} assume the
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1704 match always starts at the beginning of a line; they should not use
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1705 @samp{^} to anchor the match. Most often, the paragraph commands do
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1706 check for a match only at the beginning of a line, which means that
12098
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1707 @samp{^} would be superfluous. When there is a nonzero left margin,
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1708 they accept matches that start after the left margin. In that case, a
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1709 @samp{^} would be incorrect. However, a @samp{^} is harmless in modes
a6eb5f12b0f3 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 12067
diff changeset
1710 where a left margin is never used.
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1711
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1712 @defvar paragraph-separate
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1713 This is the regular expression for recognizing the beginning of a line
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1714 that separates paragraphs. (If you change this, you may have to
8469
9e44c96dd99d entered into RCS
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents: 8427
diff changeset
1715 change @code{paragraph-start} also.) The default value is
12067
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1716 @w{@code{"[@ \t\f]*$"}}, which matches a line that consists entirely of
73dc8205d259 *** empty log message ***
Karl Heuer <kwzh@gnu.org>
parents: 11651
diff changeset
1717 spaces, tabs, and form feeds (after its left margin).
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1718 @end defvar
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1719
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1720 @defvar paragraph-start
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1721 This is the regular expression for recognizing the beginning of a line
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1722 that starts @emph{or} separates paragraphs. The default value is
53568
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1723 @w{@code{"\f\\|[ \t]*$"}}, which matches a line containing only
a93ed629b104 Various small changes in addition to the following.
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 52978
diff changeset
1724 whitespace or starting with a form feed (after its left margin).
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1725 @end defvar
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1726
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1727 @defvar sentence-end
57403
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1728 If non-@code{nil}, the value should be a regular expression describing
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1729 the end of a sentence, including the whitespace following the
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1730 sentence. (All paragraph boundaries also end sentences, regardless.)
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1731
57403
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1732 If the value is @code{nil}, the default, then the function
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1733 @code{sentence-end} has to construct the regexp. That is why you
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1734 should always call the function @code{sentence-end} to obtain the
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1735 regexp to be used to recognize the end of a sentence.
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1736 @end defvar
6552
3b84ed22f747 Initial revision
Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.org>
parents:
diff changeset
1737
57403
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1738 @defun sentence-end
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1739 This function returns the value of the variable @code{sentence-end},
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1740 if non-@code{nil}. Otherwise it returns a default value based on the
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1741 values of the variables @code{sentence-end-double-space}
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1742 (@pxref{Definition of sentence-end-double-space}),
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1743 @code{sentence-end-without-period} and
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1744 @code{sentence-end-without-space}.
5353c1a56ee3 (Regexp Example): Update description of how Emacs currently recognizes
Luc Teirlinck <teirllm@auburn.edu>
parents: 57252
diff changeset
1745 @end defun
52401
695cf19ef79e Add arch taglines
Miles Bader <miles@gnu.org>
parents: 49959
diff changeset
1746
695cf19ef79e Add arch taglines
Miles Bader <miles@gnu.org>
parents: 49959
diff changeset
1747 @ignore
695cf19ef79e Add arch taglines
Miles Bader <miles@gnu.org>
parents: 49959
diff changeset
1748 arch-tag: c2573ca2-18aa-4839-93b8-924043ef831f
695cf19ef79e Add arch taglines
Miles Bader <miles@gnu.org>
parents: 49959
diff changeset
1749 @end ignore