Mastering Python Regular Expressions

Leverage regular expressions in Python even for the most complex features

Overview

• Explore the workings of Regular Expressions in Python
• Learn all about optimizing regular expressions using RegexBuddy
• Full of practical and step-by-step examples, tips for performance, and solutions for performance-related problems faced by users all over the world

In Detail

Regular expressions are used by many text editors, utilities, and programming languages to search and manipulate text based on patterns. They are considered the Swiss army knife of text processing. Powerful search, replacement, extraction and validation of strings, repetitive and complex tasks are reduced to a simple pattern using regular expressions.

Mastering Python Regular Expressions will teach you about Regular Expressions, starting from the basics, irrespective of the language being used, and then it will show you how to use them in Python. You will learn the finer details of what Python supports and how to do it, and the differences between Python 2.x and Python 3.x.

The book starts with a general review of the theory behind the regular expressions to follow with an overview of the Python regex module implementation, and then moves on to advanced topics like grouping, looking around, and performance.

You will explore how to leverage Regular Expressions in Python, some advanced aspects of Regular Expressions and also how to measure and improve their performance. You will get a better understanding of the working of alternators and quantifiers. Also, you will comprehend the importance of grouping before finally moving on to performance optimization techniques like the RegexBuddy Tool and Backtracking.

Mastering Python Regular Expressions provides all the information essential for a better understanding of Regular Expressions in Python.

What you will learn from this book

• Explore the regular expressions syntax
• Improve the readability and future maintenance of the regex
• Find solutions for typical problems with regular expressions
• Familiarize yourself with match and search operations
• Leverage the look around technique to create powerful regular expressions
• Gain insight on the uses of Groups
• Get to know how the regex engine works through the Backtracking process
• Enhance the performance of your regular expressions

Approach

A short and straight to the point guide that explains the implementation of Regular Expressions in Python.

Who this book is written for

This book is aimed at Python developers who want to learn how to leverage Regular Expressions in Python. Basic knowledge of Python is required for a better understanding.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introducing Regular Expressions
Chapter 2: Regular Expressions with Python
Chapter 3: Grouping
Chapter 4: Look Around
Chapter 5: Performance of Regular Expressions