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# | Line 18 INTRODUCTION | Line 18 INTRODUCTION |
18 | ||
19 | The PCRE library is a set of functions that implement regular expres- | The PCRE library is a set of functions that implement regular expres- |
20 | sion pattern matching using the same syntax and semantics as Perl, with | sion pattern matching using the same syntax and semantics as Perl, with |
21 | just a few differences. The current implementation of PCRE (release | just a few differences. (Certain features that appeared in Python and |
22 | 6.x) corresponds approximately with Perl 5.8, including support for | PCRE before they appeared in Perl are also available using the Python |
23 | UTF-8 encoded strings and Unicode general category properties. However, | syntax.) |
24 | this support has to be explicitly enabled; it is not the default. | |
25 | The current implementation of PCRE (release 7.x) corresponds approxi- | |
26 | In addition to the Perl-compatible matching function, PCRE also con- | mately with Perl 5.10, including support for UTF-8 encoded strings and |
27 | tains an alternative matching function that matches the same compiled | Unicode general category properties. However, UTF-8 and Unicode support |
28 | patterns in a different way. In certain circumstances, the alternative | has to be explicitly enabled; it is not the default. The Unicode tables |
29 | function has some advantages. For a discussion of the two matching | correspond to Unicode release 5.0.0. |
30 | algorithms, see the pcrematching page. | |
31 | In addition to the Perl-compatible matching function, PCRE contains an | |
32 | PCRE is written in C and released as a C library. A number of people | alternative matching function that matches the same compiled patterns |
33 | have written wrappers and interfaces of various kinds. In particular, | in a different way. In certain circumstances, the alternative function |
34 | Google Inc. have provided a comprehensive C++ wrapper. This is now | has some advantages. For a discussion of the two matching algorithms, |
35 | see the pcrematching page. | |
36 | ||
37 | PCRE is written in C and released as a C library. A number of people | |
38 | have written wrappers and interfaces of various kinds. In particular, | |
39 | Google Inc. have provided a comprehensive C++ wrapper. This is now | |
40 | included as part of the PCRE distribution. The pcrecpp page has details | included as part of the PCRE distribution. The pcrecpp page has details |
41 | of this interface. Other people's contributions can be found in the | of this interface. Other people's contributions can be found in the |
42 | Contrib directory at the primary FTP site, which is: | Contrib directory at the primary FTP site, which is: |
43 | ||
44 | ftp://ftp.csx.cam.ac.uk/pub/software/programming/pcre | ftp://ftp.csx.cam.ac.uk/pub/software/programming/pcre |
45 | ||
46 | Details of exactly which Perl regular expression features are and are | Details of exactly which Perl regular expression features are and are |
47 | not supported by PCRE are given in separate documents. See the pcrepat- | not supported by PCRE are given in separate documents. See the pcrepat- |
48 | tern and pcrecompat pages. | tern and pcrecompat pages. |
49 | ||
50 | Some features of PCRE can be included, excluded, or changed when the | Some features of PCRE can be included, excluded, or changed when the |
51 | library is built. The pcre_config() function makes it possible for a | library is built. The pcre_config() function makes it possible for a |
52 | client to discover which features are available. The features them- | client to discover which features are available. The features them- |
53 | selves are described in the pcrebuild page. Documentation about build- | selves are described in the pcrebuild page. Documentation about build- |
54 | ing PCRE for various operating systems can be found in the README file | ing PCRE for various operating systems can be found in the README file |
55 | in the source distribution. | in the source distribution. |
56 | ||
57 | The library contains a number of undocumented internal functions and | The library contains a number of undocumented internal functions and |
58 | data tables that are used by more than one of the exported external | data tables that are used by more than one of the exported external |
59 | functions, but which are not intended for use by external callers. | functions, but which are not intended for use by external callers. |
60 | Their names all begin with "_pcre_", which hopefully will not provoke | Their names all begin with "_pcre_", which hopefully will not provoke |
61 | any name clashes. In some environments, it is possible to control which | any name clashes. In some environments, it is possible to control which |
62 | external symbols are exported when a shared library is built, and in | external symbols are exported when a shared library is built, and in |
63 | these cases the undocumented symbols are not exported. | these cases the undocumented symbols are not exported. |
64 | ||
65 | ||
66 | USER DOCUMENTATION | USER DOCUMENTATION |
67 | ||
68 | The user documentation for PCRE comprises a number of different sec- | The user documentation for PCRE comprises a number of different sec- |
69 | tions. In the "man" format, each of these is a separate "man page". In | tions. In the "man" format, each of these is a separate "man page". In |
70 | the HTML format, each is a separate page, linked from the index page. | the HTML format, each is a separate page, linked from the index page. |
71 | In the plain text format, all the sections are concatenated, for ease | In the plain text format, all the sections are concatenated, for ease |
72 | of searching. The sections are as follows: | of searching. The sections are as follows: |
73 | ||
74 | pcre this document | pcre this document |
# | Line 81 USER DOCUMENTATION | Line 86 USER DOCUMENTATION |
86 | pcreposix the POSIX-compatible C API | pcreposix the POSIX-compatible C API |
87 | pcreprecompile details of saving and re-using precompiled patterns | pcreprecompile details of saving and re-using precompiled patterns |
88 | pcresample discussion of the sample program | pcresample discussion of the sample program |
89 | pcrestack discussion of stack usage | |
90 | pcretest description of the pcretest testing command | pcretest description of the pcretest testing command |
91 | ||
92 | In addition, in the "man" and HTML formats, there is a short page for | In addition, in the "man" and HTML formats, there is a short page for |
93 | each C library function, listing its arguments and results. | each C library function, listing its arguments and results. |
94 | ||
95 | ||
96 | LIMITATIONS | LIMITATIONS |
97 | ||
98 | There are some size limitations in PCRE but it is hoped that they will | There are some size limitations in PCRE but it is hoped that they will |
99 | never in practice be relevant. | never in practice be relevant. |
100 | ||
101 | The maximum length of a compiled pattern is 65539 (sic) bytes if PCRE | The maximum length of a compiled pattern is 65539 (sic) bytes if PCRE |
102 | is compiled with the default internal linkage size of 2. If you want to | is compiled with the default internal linkage size of 2. If you want to |
103 | process regular expressions that are truly enormous, you can compile | process regular expressions that are truly enormous, you can compile |
104 | PCRE with an internal linkage size of 3 or 4 (see the README file in | PCRE with an internal linkage size of 3 or 4 (see the README file in |
105 | the source distribution and the pcrebuild documentation for details). | the source distribution and the pcrebuild documentation for details). |
106 | In these cases the limit is substantially larger. However, the speed | In these cases the limit is substantially larger. However, the speed |
107 | of execution will be slower. | of execution is slower. |
108 | ||
109 | All values in repeating quantifiers must be less than 65536. The maxi- | All values in repeating quantifiers must be less than 65536. The maxi- |
110 | mum number of capturing subpatterns is 65535. | mum compiled length of subpattern with an explicit repeat count is |
111 | 30000 bytes. The maximum number of capturing subpatterns is 65535. | |
There is no limit to the number of non-capturing subpatterns, but the | ||
maximum depth of nesting of all kinds of parenthesized subpattern, | ||
including capturing subpatterns, assertions, and other types of subpat- | ||
tern, is 200. | ||
112 | ||
113 | The maximum length of a subject string is the largest positive number | There is no limit to the number of parenthesized subpatterns, but there |
114 | that an integer variable can hold. However, when using the traditional | can be no more than 65535 capturing subpatterns. |
115 | ||
116 | The maximum length of name for a named subpattern is 32 characters, and | |
117 | the maximum number of named subpatterns is 10000. | |
118 | ||
119 | The maximum length of a subject string is the largest positive number | |
120 | that an integer variable can hold. However, when using the traditional | |
121 | matching function, PCRE uses recursion to handle subpatterns and indef- | matching function, PCRE uses recursion to handle subpatterns and indef- |
122 | inite repetition. This means that the available stack space may limit | inite repetition. This means that the available stack space may limit |
123 | the size of a subject string that can be processed by certain patterns. | the size of a subject string that can be processed by certain patterns. |
124 | For a discussion of stack issues, see the pcrestack documentation. | |
125 | ||
126 | ||
127 | UTF-8 AND UNICODE PROPERTY SUPPORT | UTF-8 AND UNICODE PROPERTY SUPPORT |
128 | ||
129 | From release 3.3, PCRE has had some support for character strings | From release 3.3, PCRE has had some support for character strings |
130 | encoded in the UTF-8 format. For release 4.0 this was greatly extended | encoded in the UTF-8 format. For release 4.0 this was greatly extended |
131 | to cover most common requirements, and in release 5.0 additional sup- | to cover most common requirements, and in release 5.0 additional sup- |
132 | port for Unicode general category properties was added. | port for Unicode general category properties was added. |
133 | ||
134 | In order process UTF-8 strings, you must build PCRE to include UTF-8 | In order process UTF-8 strings, you must build PCRE to include UTF-8 |
135 | support in the code, and, in addition, you must call pcre_compile() | support in the code, and, in addition, you must call pcre_compile() |
136 | with the PCRE_UTF8 option flag. When you do this, both the pattern and | with the PCRE_UTF8 option flag. When you do this, both the pattern and |
137 | any subject strings that are matched against it are treated as UTF-8 | any subject strings that are matched against it are treated as UTF-8 |
138 | strings instead of just strings of bytes. | strings instead of just strings of bytes. |
139 | ||
140 | If you compile PCRE with UTF-8 support, but do not use it at run time, | If you compile PCRE with UTF-8 support, but do not use it at run time, |
141 | the library will be a bit bigger, but the additional run time overhead | the library will be a bit bigger, but the additional run time overhead |
142 | is limited to testing the PCRE_UTF8 flag in several places, so should | is limited to testing the PCRE_UTF8 flag occasionally, so should not be |
143 | not be very large. | very big. |
144 | ||
145 | If PCRE is built with Unicode character property support (which implies | If PCRE is built with Unicode character property support (which implies |
146 | UTF-8 support), the escape sequences \p{..}, \P{..}, and \X are sup- | UTF-8 support), the escape sequences \p{..}, \P{..}, and \X are sup- |
147 | ported. The available properties that can be tested are limited to the | ported. The available properties that can be tested are limited to the |
148 | general category properties such as Lu for an upper case letter or Nd | general category properties such as Lu for an upper case letter or Nd |
149 | for a decimal number. A full list is given in the pcrepattern documen- | for a decimal number, the Unicode script names such as Arabic or Han, |
150 | tation. The PCRE library is increased in size by about 90K when Unicode | and the derived properties Any and L&. A full list is given in the |
151 | property support is included. | pcrepattern documentation. Only the short names for properties are sup- |
152 | ported. For example, \p{L} matches a letter. Its Perl synonym, \p{Let- | |
153 | ter}, is not supported. Furthermore, in Perl, many properties may | |
154 | optionally be prefixed by "Is", for compatibility with Perl 5.6. PCRE | |
155 | does not support this. | |
156 | ||
157 | The following comments apply when PCRE is running in UTF-8 mode: | The following comments apply when PCRE is running in UTF-8 mode: |
158 | ||
159 | 1. When you set the PCRE_UTF8 flag, the strings passed as patterns and | 1. When you set the PCRE_UTF8 flag, the strings passed as patterns and |
160 | subjects are checked for validity on entry to the relevant functions. | subjects are checked for validity on entry to the relevant functions. |
161 | If an invalid UTF-8 string is passed, an error return is given. In some | If an invalid UTF-8 string is passed, an error return is given. In some |
162 | situations, you may already know that your strings are valid, and | situations, you may already know that your strings are valid, and |
163 | therefore want to skip these checks in order to improve performance. If | therefore want to skip these checks in order to improve performance. If |
164 | you set the PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK flag at compile time or at run time, | you set the PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK flag at compile time or at run time, |
165 | PCRE assumes that the pattern or subject it is given (respectively) | PCRE assumes that the pattern or subject it is given (respectively) |
166 | contains only valid UTF-8 codes. In this case, it does not diagnose an | contains only valid UTF-8 codes. In this case, it does not diagnose an |
167 | invalid UTF-8 string. If you pass an invalid UTF-8 string to PCRE when | invalid UTF-8 string. If you pass an invalid UTF-8 string to PCRE when |
168 | PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK is set, the results are undefined. Your program may | PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK is set, the results are undefined. Your program may |
169 | crash. | crash. |
170 | ||
171 | 2. In a pattern, the escape sequence \x{...}, where the contents of the | 2. An unbraced hexadecimal escape sequence (such as \xb3) matches a |
172 | braces is a string of hexadecimal digits, is interpreted as a UTF-8 | two-byte UTF-8 character if the value is greater than 127. |
character whose code number is the given hexadecimal number, for exam- | ||
ple: \x{1234}. If a non-hexadecimal digit appears between the braces, | ||
the item is not recognized. This escape sequence can be used either as | ||
a literal, or within a character class. | ||
173 | ||
174 | 3. The original hexadecimal escape sequence, \xhh, matches a two-byte | 3. Octal numbers up to \777 are recognized, and match two-byte UTF-8 |
175 | UTF-8 character if the value is greater than 127. | characters for values greater than \177. |
176 | ||
177 | 4. Repeat quantifiers apply to complete UTF-8 characters, not to indi- | 4. Repeat quantifiers apply to complete UTF-8 characters, not to indi- |
178 | vidual bytes, for example: \x{100}{3}. | vidual bytes, for example: \x{100}{3}. |
179 | ||
180 | 5. The dot metacharacter matches one UTF-8 character instead of a sin- | 5. The dot metacharacter matches one UTF-8 character instead of a sin- |
181 | gle byte. | gle byte. |
182 | ||
183 | 6. The escape sequence \C can be used to match a single byte in UTF-8 | 6. The escape sequence \C can be used to match a single byte in UTF-8 |
184 | mode, but its use can lead to some strange effects. This facility is | mode, but its use can lead to some strange effects. This facility is |
185 | not available in the alternative matching function, pcre_dfa_exec(). | not available in the alternative matching function, pcre_dfa_exec(). |
186 | ||
187 | 7. The character escapes \b, \B, \d, \D, \s, \S, \w, and \W correctly | 7. The character escapes \b, \B, \d, \D, \s, \S, \w, and \W correctly |
188 | test characters of any code value, but the characters that PCRE recog- | test characters of any code value, but the characters that PCRE recog- |
189 | nizes as digits, spaces, or word characters remain the same set as | nizes as digits, spaces, or word characters remain the same set as |
190 | before, all with values less than 256. This remains true even when PCRE | before, all with values less than 256. This remains true even when PCRE |
191 | includes Unicode property support, because to do otherwise would slow | includes Unicode property support, because to do otherwise would slow |
192 | down PCRE in many common cases. If you really want to test for a wider | down PCRE in many common cases. If you really want to test for a wider |
193 | sense of, say, "digit", you must use Unicode property tests such as | sense of, say, "digit", you must use Unicode property tests such as |
194 | \p{Nd}. | \p{Nd}. |
195 | ||
196 | 8. Similarly, characters that match the POSIX named character classes | 8. Similarly, characters that match the POSIX named character classes |
197 | are all low-valued characters. | are all low-valued characters. |
198 | ||
199 | 9. Case-insensitive matching applies only to characters whose values | 9. Case-insensitive matching applies only to characters whose values |
200 | are less than 128, unless PCRE is built with Unicode property support. | are less than 128, unless PCRE is built with Unicode property support. |
201 | Even when Unicode property support is available, PCRE still uses its | Even when Unicode property support is available, PCRE still uses its |
202 | own character tables when checking the case of low-valued characters, | own character tables when checking the case of low-valued characters, |
203 | so as not to degrade performance. The Unicode property information is | so as not to degrade performance. The Unicode property information is |
204 | used only for characters with higher values. | used only for characters with higher values. Even when Unicode property |
205 | support is available, PCRE supports case-insensitive matching only when | |
206 | there is a one-to-one mapping between a letter's cases. There are a | |
207 | small number of many-to-one mappings in Unicode; these are not sup- | |
208 | ported by PCRE. | |
209 | ||
210 | ||
211 | AUTHOR | AUTHOR |
212 | ||
213 | Philip Hazel | Philip Hazel |
214 | University Computing Service, | University Computing Service, |
215 | Cambridge CB2 3QG, England. | Cambridge CB2 3QH, England. |
216 | ||
217 | Putting an actual email address here seems to have been a spam magnet, | Putting an actual email address here seems to have been a spam magnet, |
218 | so I've taken it away. If you want to email me, use my initial and sur- | so I've taken it away. If you want to email me, use my initial and sur- |
219 | name, separated by a dot, at the domain ucs.cam.ac.uk. | name, separated by a dot, at the domain ucs.cam.ac.uk. |
220 | ||
221 | Last updated: 07 March 2005 | Last updated: 23 November 2006 |
222 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | Copyright (c) 1997-2006 University of Cambridge. |
223 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
224 | ||
225 | ||
# | Line 280 UNICODE CHARACTER PROPERTY SUPPORT | Line 293 UNICODE CHARACTER PROPERTY SUPPORT |
293 | ||
294 | CODE VALUE OF NEWLINE | CODE VALUE OF NEWLINE |
295 | ||
296 | By default, PCRE treats character 10 (linefeed) as the newline charac- | By default, PCRE interprets character 10 (linefeed, LF) as indicating |
297 | ter. This is the normal newline character on Unix-like systems. You can | the end of a line. This is the normal newline character on Unix-like |
298 | compile PCRE to use character 13 (carriage return) instead by adding | systems. You can compile PCRE to use character 13 (carriage return, CR) |
299 | instead, by adding | |
300 | ||
301 | --enable-newline-is-cr | --enable-newline-is-cr |
302 | ||
303 | to the configure command. For completeness there is also a --enable- | to the configure command. There is also a --enable-newline-is-lf |
304 | newline-is-lf option, which explicitly specifies linefeed as the new- | option, which explicitly specifies linefeed as the newline character. |
305 | line character. | |
306 | Alternatively, you can specify that line endings are to be indicated by | |
307 | the two character sequence CRLF. If you want this, add | |
308 | ||
309 | --enable-newline-is-crlf | |
310 | ||
311 | to the configure command. There is a fourth option, specified by | |
312 | ||
313 | --enable-newline-is-any | |
314 | ||
315 | which causes PCRE to recognize any Unicode newline sequence. | |
316 | ||
317 | Whatever line ending convention is selected when PCRE is built can be | |
318 | overridden when the library functions are called. At build time it is | |
319 | conventional to use the standard for your operating system. | |
320 | ||
321 | ||
322 | BUILDING SHARED AND STATIC LIBRARIES | BUILDING SHARED AND STATIC LIBRARIES |
323 | ||
324 | The PCRE building process uses libtool to build both shared and static | The PCRE building process uses libtool to build both shared and static |
325 | Unix libraries by default. You can suppress one of these by adding one | Unix libraries by default. You can suppress one of these by adding one |
326 | of | of |
327 | ||
328 | --disable-shared | --disable-shared |
# | Line 306 BUILDING SHARED AND STATIC LIBRARIES | Line 334 BUILDING SHARED AND STATIC LIBRARIES |
334 | POSIX MALLOC USAGE | POSIX MALLOC USAGE |
335 | ||
336 | When PCRE is called through the POSIX interface (see the pcreposix doc- | When PCRE is called through the POSIX interface (see the pcreposix doc- |
337 | umentation), additional working storage is required for holding the | umentation), additional working storage is required for holding the |
338 | pointers to capturing substrings, because PCRE requires three integers | pointers to capturing substrings, because PCRE requires three integers |
339 | per substring, whereas the POSIX interface provides only two. If the | per substring, whereas the POSIX interface provides only two. If the |
340 | number of expected substrings is small, the wrapper function uses space | number of expected substrings is small, the wrapper function uses space |
341 | on the stack, because this is faster than using malloc() for each call. | on the stack, because this is faster than using malloc() for each call. |
342 | The default threshold above which the stack is no longer used is 10; it | The default threshold above which the stack is no longer used is 10; it |
# | Line 319 POSIX MALLOC USAGE | Line 347 POSIX MALLOC USAGE |
347 | to the configure command. | to the configure command. |
348 | ||
349 | ||
LIMITING PCRE RESOURCE USAGE | ||
Internally, PCRE has a function called match(), which it calls repeat- | ||
edly (possibly recursively) when matching a pattern with the | ||
pcre_exec() function. By controlling the maximum number of times this | ||
function may be called during a single matching operation, a limit can | ||
be placed on the resources used by a single call to pcre_exec(). The | ||
limit can be changed at run time, as described in the pcreapi documen- | ||
tation. The default is 10 million, but this can be changed by adding a | ||
setting such as | ||
--with-match-limit=500000 | ||
to the configure command. This setting has no effect on the | ||
pcre_dfa_exec() matching function. | ||
350 | HANDLING VERY LARGE PATTERNS | HANDLING VERY LARGE PATTERNS |
351 | ||
352 | Within a compiled pattern, offset values are used to point from one | Within a compiled pattern, offset values are used to point from one |
353 | part to another (for example, from an opening parenthesis to an alter- | part to another (for example, from an opening parenthesis to an alter- |
354 | nation metacharacter). By default, two-byte values are used for these | nation metacharacter). By default, two-byte values are used for these |
355 | offsets, leading to a maximum size for a compiled pattern of around | offsets, leading to a maximum size for a compiled pattern of around |
356 | 64K. This is sufficient to handle all but the most gigantic patterns. | 64K. This is sufficient to handle all but the most gigantic patterns. |
357 | Nevertheless, some people do want to process enormous patterns, so it | Nevertheless, some people do want to process enormous patterns, so it |
358 | is possible to compile PCRE to use three-byte or four-byte offsets by | is possible to compile PCRE to use three-byte or four-byte offsets by |
359 | adding a setting such as | adding a setting such as |
360 | ||
361 | --with-link-size=3 | --with-link-size=3 |
362 | ||
363 | to the configure command. The value given must be 2, 3, or 4. Using | to the configure command. The value given must be 2, 3, or 4. Using |
364 | longer offsets slows down the operation of PCRE because it has to load | longer offsets slows down the operation of PCRE because it has to load |
365 | additional bytes when handling them. | additional bytes when handling them. |
366 | ||
367 | If you build PCRE with an increased link size, test 2 (and test 5 if | If you build PCRE with an increased link size, test 2 (and test 5 if |
368 | you are using UTF-8) will fail. Part of the output of these tests is a | you are using UTF-8) will fail. Part of the output of these tests is a |
369 | representation of the compiled pattern, and this changes with the link | representation of the compiled pattern, and this changes with the link |
370 | size. | size. |
371 | ||
372 | ||
373 | AVOIDING EXCESSIVE STACK USAGE | AVOIDING EXCESSIVE STACK USAGE |
374 | ||
375 | When matching with the pcre_exec() function, PCRE implements backtrack- | When matching with the pcre_exec() function, PCRE implements backtrack- |
376 | ing by making recursive calls to an internal function called match(). | ing by making recursive calls to an internal function called match(). |
377 | In environments where the size of the stack is limited, this can se- | In environments where the size of the stack is limited, this can se- |
378 | verely limit PCRE's operation. (The Unix environment does not usually | verely limit PCRE's operation. (The Unix environment does not usually |
379 | suffer from this problem.) An alternative approach that uses memory | suffer from this problem, but it may sometimes be necessary to increase |
380 | from the heap to remember data, instead of using recursive function | the maximum stack size. There is a discussion in the pcrestack docu- |
381 | calls, has been implemented to work round this problem. If you want to | mentation.) An alternative approach to recursion that uses memory from |
382 | build a version of PCRE that works this way, add | the heap to remember data, instead of using recursive function calls, |
383 | has been implemented to work round the problem of limited stack size. | |
384 | If you want to build a version of PCRE that works this way, add | |
385 | ||
386 | --disable-stack-for-recursion | --disable-stack-for-recursion |
387 | ||
388 | to the configure command. With this configuration, PCRE will use the | to the configure command. With this configuration, PCRE will use the |
389 | pcre_stack_malloc and pcre_stack_free variables to call memory manage- | pcre_stack_malloc and pcre_stack_free variables to call memory manage- |
390 | ment functions. Separate functions are provided because the usage is | ment functions. Separate functions are provided because the usage is |
391 | very predictable: the block sizes requested are always the same, and | very predictable: the block sizes requested are always the same, and |
392 | the blocks are always freed in reverse order. A calling program might | the blocks are always freed in reverse order. A calling program might |
393 | be able to implement optimized functions that perform better than the | be able to implement optimized functions that perform better than the |
394 | standard malloc() and free() functions. PCRE runs noticeably more | standard malloc() and free() functions. PCRE runs noticeably more |
395 | slowly when built in this way. This option affects only the pcre_exec() | slowly when built in this way. This option affects only the pcre_exec() |
396 | function; it is not relevant for the the pcre_dfa_exec() function. | function; it is not relevant for the the pcre_dfa_exec() function. |
397 | ||
398 | ||
399 | LIMITING PCRE RESOURCE USAGE | |
400 | ||
401 | Internally, PCRE has a function called match(), which it calls repeat- | |
402 | edly (sometimes recursively) when matching a pattern with the | |
403 | pcre_exec() function. By controlling the maximum number of times this | |
404 | function may be called during a single matching operation, a limit can | |
405 | be placed on the resources used by a single call to pcre_exec(). The | |
406 | limit can be changed at run time, as described in the pcreapi documen- | |
407 | tation. The default is 10 million, but this can be changed by adding a | |
408 | setting such as | |
409 | ||
410 | --with-match-limit=500000 | |
411 | ||
412 | to the configure command. This setting has no effect on the | |
413 | pcre_dfa_exec() matching function. | |
414 | ||
415 | In some environments it is desirable to limit the depth of recursive | |
416 | calls of match() more strictly than the total number of calls, in order | |
417 | to restrict the maximum amount of stack (or heap, if --disable-stack- | |
418 | for-recursion is specified) that is used. A second limit controls this; | |
419 | it defaults to the value that is set for --with-match-limit, which | |
420 | imposes no additional constraints. However, you can set a lower limit | |
421 | by adding, for example, | |
422 | ||
423 | --with-match-limit-recursion=10000 | |
424 | ||
425 | to the configure command. This value can also be overridden at run | |
426 | time. | |
427 | ||
428 | ||
429 | USING EBCDIC CODE | USING EBCDIC CODE |
430 | ||
431 | PCRE assumes by default that it will run in an environment where the | PCRE assumes by default that it will run in an environment where the |
# | Line 394 USING EBCDIC CODE | Line 437 USING EBCDIC CODE |
437 | ||
438 | to the configure command. | to the configure command. |
439 | ||
440 | Last updated: 15 August 2005 | |
441 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | SEE ALSO |
442 | ||
443 | pcreapi(3), pcre_config(3). | |
444 | ||
445 | Last updated: 30 November 2006 | |
446 | Copyright (c) 1997-2006 University of Cambridge. | |
447 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
448 | ||
449 | ||
# | Line 431 PCRE MATCHING ALGORITHMS | Line 479 PCRE MATCHING ALGORITHMS |
479 | <something> <something else> <something further> | <something> <something else> <something further> |
480 | ||
481 | there are three possible answers. The standard algorithm finds only one | there are three possible answers. The standard algorithm finds only one |
482 | of them, whereas the DFA algorithm finds all three. | of them, whereas the alternative algorithm finds all three. |
483 | ||
484 | ||
485 | REGULAR EXPRESSIONS AS TREES | REGULAR EXPRESSIONS AS TREES |
# | Line 440 REGULAR EXPRESSIONS AS TREES | Line 488 REGULAR EXPRESSIONS AS TREES |
488 | resented as a tree structure. An unlimited repetition in the pattern | resented as a tree structure. An unlimited repetition in the pattern |
489 | makes the tree of infinite size, but it is still a tree. Matching the | makes the tree of infinite size, but it is still a tree. Matching the |
490 | pattern to a given subject string (from a given starting point) can be | pattern to a given subject string (from a given starting point) can be |
491 | thought of as a search of the tree. There are two standard ways to | thought of as a search of the tree. There are two ways to search a |
492 | search a tree: depth-first and breadth-first, and these correspond to | tree: depth-first and breadth-first, and these correspond to the two |
493 | the two matching algorithms provided by PCRE. | matching algorithms provided by PCRE. |
494 | ||
495 | ||
496 | THE STANDARD MATCHING ALGORITHM | THE STANDARD MATCHING ALGORITHM |
# | Line 472 THE STANDARD MATCHING ALGORITHM | Line 520 THE STANDARD MATCHING ALGORITHM |
520 | This provides support for capturing parentheses and back references. | This provides support for capturing parentheses and back references. |
521 | ||
522 | ||
523 | THE DFA MATCHING ALGORITHM | THE ALTERNATIVE MATCHING ALGORITHM |
524 | ||
525 | DFA stands for "deterministic finite automaton", but you do not need to | This algorithm conducts a breadth-first search of the tree. Starting |
526 | understand the origins of that name. This algorithm conducts a breadth- | from the first matching point in the subject, it scans the subject |
527 | first search of the tree. Starting from the first matching point in the | string from left to right, once, character by character, and as it does |
528 | subject, it scans the subject string from left to right, once, charac- | this, it remembers all the paths through the tree that represent valid |
529 | ter by character, and as it does this, it remembers all the paths | matches. In Friedl's terminology, this is a kind of "DFA algorithm", |
530 | through the tree that represent valid matches. | though it is not implemented as a traditional finite state machine (it |
531 | keeps multiple states active simultaneously). | |
532 | The scan continues until either the end of the subject is reached, or | |
533 | there are no more unterminated paths. At this point, terminated paths | The scan continues until either the end of the subject is reached, or |
534 | represent the different matching possibilities (if there are none, the | there are no more unterminated paths. At this point, terminated paths |
535 | match has failed). Thus, if there is more than one possible match, | represent the different matching possibilities (if there are none, the |
536 | match has failed). Thus, if there is more than one possible match, | |
537 | this algorithm finds all of them, and in particular, it finds the long- | this algorithm finds all of them, and in particular, it finds the long- |
538 | est. In PCRE, there is an option to stop the algorithm after the first | est. In PCRE, there is an option to stop the algorithm after the first |
539 | match (which is necessarily the shortest) has been found. | match (which is necessarily the shortest) has been found. |
540 | ||
541 | Note that all the matches that are found start at the same point in the | Note that all the matches that are found start at the same point in the |
# | Line 494 THE DFA MATCHING ALGORITHM | Line 543 THE DFA MATCHING ALGORITHM |
543 | ||
544 | cat(er(pillar)?) | cat(er(pillar)?) |
545 | ||
546 | is matched against the string "the caterpillar catchment", the result | is matched against the string "the caterpillar catchment", the result |
547 | will be the three strings "cat", "cater", and "caterpillar" that start | will be the three strings "cat", "cater", and "caterpillar" that start |
548 | at the fourth character of the subject. The algorithm does not automat- | at the fourth character of the subject. The algorithm does not automat- |
549 | ically move on to find matches that start at later positions. | ically move on to find matches that start at later positions. |
550 | ||
551 | There are a number of features of PCRE regular expressions that are not | There are a number of features of PCRE regular expressions that are not |
552 | supported by the DFA matching algorithm. They are as follows: | supported by the alternative matching algorithm. They are as follows: |
553 | ||
554 | 1. Because the algorithm finds all possible matches, the greedy or | 1. Because the algorithm finds all possible matches, the greedy or |
555 | ungreedy nature of repetition quantifiers is not relevant. Greedy and | ungreedy nature of repetition quantifiers is not relevant. Greedy and |
556 | ungreedy quantifiers are treated in exactly the same way. | ungreedy quantifiers are treated in exactly the same way. However, pos- |
557 | sessive quantifiers can make a difference when what follows could also | |
558 | match what is quantified, for example in a pattern like this: | |
559 | ||
560 | ^a++\w! | |
561 | ||
562 | This pattern matches "aaab!" but not "aaa!", which would be matched by | |
563 | a non-possessive quantifier. Similarly, if an atomic group is present, | |
564 | it is matched as if it were a standalone pattern at the current point, | |
565 | and the longest match is then "locked in" for the rest of the overall | |
566 | pattern. | |
567 | ||
568 | 2. When dealing with multiple paths through the tree simultaneously, it | 2. When dealing with multiple paths through the tree simultaneously, it |
569 | is not straightforward to keep track of captured substrings for the | is not straightforward to keep track of captured substrings for the |
570 | different matching possibilities, and PCRE's implementation of this | different matching possibilities, and PCRE's implementation of this |
571 | algorithm does not attempt to do this. This means that no captured sub- | algorithm does not attempt to do this. This means that no captured sub- |
572 | strings are available. | strings are available. |
573 | ||
574 | 3. Because no substrings are captured, back references within the pat- | 3. Because no substrings are captured, back references within the pat- |
575 | tern are not supported, and cause errors if encountered. | tern are not supported, and cause errors if encountered. |
576 | ||
577 | 4. For the same reason, conditional expressions that use a backrefer- | 4. For the same reason, conditional expressions that use a backrefer- |
578 | ence as the condition are not supported. | ence as the condition or test for a specific group recursion are not |
579 | supported. | |
580 | ||
581 | 5. Callouts are supported, but the value of the capture_top field is | 5. Callouts are supported, but the value of the capture_top field is |
582 | always 1, and the value of the capture_last field is always -1. | always 1, and the value of the capture_last field is always -1. |
583 | ||
584 | 6. The \C escape sequence, which (in the standard algorithm) matches a | 6. The \C escape sequence, which (in the standard algorithm) matches a |
585 | single byte, even in UTF-8 mode, is not supported because the DFA algo- | single byte, even in UTF-8 mode, is not supported because the alterna- |
586 | rithm moves through the subject string one character at a time, for all | tive algorithm moves through the subject string one character at a |
587 | active paths through the tree. | time, for all active paths through the tree. |
588 | ||
589 | ||
590 | ADVANTAGES OF THE DFA ALGORITHM | ADVANTAGES OF THE ALTERNATIVE ALGORITHM |
591 | ||
592 | Using the DFA matching algorithm provides the following advantages: | Using the alternative matching algorithm provides the following advan- |
593 | tages: | |
594 | ||
595 | 1. All possible matches (at a single point in the subject) are automat- | 1. All possible matches (at a single point in the subject) are automat- |
596 | ically found, and in particular, the longest match is found. To find | ically found, and in particular, the longest match is found. To find |
597 | more than one match using the standard algorithm, you have to do kludgy | more than one match using the standard algorithm, you have to do kludgy |
598 | things with callouts. | things with callouts. |
599 | ||
600 | 2. There is much better support for partial matching. The restrictions | 2. There is much better support for partial matching. The restrictions |
601 | on the content of the pattern that apply when using the standard algo- | on the content of the pattern that apply when using the standard algo- |
602 | rithm for partial matching do not apply to the DFA algorithm. For non- | rithm for partial matching do not apply to the alternative algorithm. |
603 | anchored patterns, the starting position of a partial match is avail- | For non-anchored patterns, the starting position of a partial match is |
604 | able. | available. |
605 | ||
606 | 3. Because the DFA algorithm scans the subject string just once, and | 3. Because the alternative algorithm scans the subject string just |
607 | never needs to backtrack, it is possible to pass very long subject | once, and never needs to backtrack, it is possible to pass very long |
608 | strings to the matching function in several pieces, checking for par- | subject strings to the matching function in several pieces, checking |
609 | tial matching each time. | for partial matching each time. |
610 | ||
611 | ||
612 | DISADVANTAGES OF THE DFA ALGORITHM | DISADVANTAGES OF THE ALTERNATIVE ALGORITHM |
613 | ||
614 | The DFA algorithm suffers from a number of disadvantages: | The alternative algorithm suffers from a number of disadvantages: |
615 | ||
616 | 1. It is substantially slower than the standard algorithm. This is | 1. It is substantially slower than the standard algorithm. This is |
617 | partly because it has to search for all possible matches, but is also | partly because it has to search for all possible matches, but is also |
618 | because it is less susceptible to optimization. | because it is less susceptible to optimization. |
619 | ||
620 | 2. Capturing parentheses and back references are not supported. | 2. Capturing parentheses and back references are not supported. |
621 | ||
622 | 3. The "atomic group" feature of PCRE regular expressions is supported, | 3. Although atomic groups are supported, their use does not provide the |
623 | but does not provide the advantage that it does for the standard algo- | performance advantage that it does for the standard algorithm. |
rithm. | ||
624 | ||
625 | Last updated: 28 February 2005 | Last updated: 24 November 2006 |
626 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | Copyright (c) 1997-2006 University of Cambridge. |
627 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
628 | ||
629 | ||
# | Line 616 PCRE NATIVE API | Line 676 PCRE NATIVE API |
676 | int pcre_get_stringnumber(const pcre *code, | int pcre_get_stringnumber(const pcre *code, |
677 | const char *name); | const char *name); |
678 | ||
679 | int pcre_get_stringtable_entries(const pcre *code, | |
680 | const char *name, char **first, char **last); | |
681 | ||
682 | int pcre_get_substring(const char *subject, int *ovector, | int pcre_get_substring(const char *subject, int *ovector, |
683 | int stringcount, int stringnumber, | int stringcount, int stringnumber, |
684 | const char **stringptr); | const char **stringptr); |
# | Line 654 PCRE NATIVE API | Line 717 PCRE NATIVE API |
717 | PCRE API OVERVIEW | PCRE API OVERVIEW |
718 | ||
719 | PCRE has its own native API, which is described in this document. There | PCRE has its own native API, which is described in this document. There |
720 | is also a set of wrapper functions that correspond to the POSIX regular | are also some wrapper functions that correspond to the POSIX regular |
721 | expression API. These are described in the pcreposix documentation. | expression API. These are described in the pcreposix documentation. |
722 | Both of these APIs define a set of C function calls. A C++ wrapper is | Both of these APIs define a set of C function calls. A C++ wrapper is |
723 | distributed with PCRE. It is documented in the pcrecpp page. | distributed with PCRE. It is documented in the pcrecpp page. |
# | Line 676 PCRE API OVERVIEW | Line 739 PCRE API OVERVIEW |
739 | ||
740 | A second matching function, pcre_dfa_exec(), which is not Perl-compati- | A second matching function, pcre_dfa_exec(), which is not Perl-compati- |
741 | ble, is also provided. This uses a different algorithm for the match- | ble, is also provided. This uses a different algorithm for the match- |
742 | ing. This allows it to find all possible matches (at a given point in | ing. The alternative algorithm finds all possible matches (at a given |
743 | the subject), not just one. However, this algorithm does not return | point in the subject), and scans the subject just once. However, this |
744 | captured substrings. A description of the two matching algorithms and | algorithm does not return captured substrings. A description of the two |
745 | their advantages and disadvantages is given in the pcrematching docu- | matching algorithms and their advantages and disadvantages is given in |
746 | mentation. | the pcrematching documentation. |
747 | ||
748 | In addition to the main compiling and matching functions, there are | In addition to the main compiling and matching functions, there are |
749 | convenience functions for extracting captured substrings from a subject | convenience functions for extracting captured substrings from a subject |
# | Line 692 PCRE API OVERVIEW | Line 755 PCRE API OVERVIEW |
755 | pcre_get_named_substring() | pcre_get_named_substring() |
756 | pcre_get_substring_list() | pcre_get_substring_list() |
757 | pcre_get_stringnumber() | pcre_get_stringnumber() |
758 | pcre_get_stringtable_entries() | |
759 | ||
760 | pcre_free_substring() and pcre_free_substring_list() are also provided, | pcre_free_substring() and pcre_free_substring_list() are also provided, |
761 | to free the memory used for extracted strings. | to free the memory used for extracted strings. |
# | Line 723 PCRE API OVERVIEW | Line 787 PCRE API OVERVIEW |
787 | indirections to memory management functions. These special functions | indirections to memory management functions. These special functions |
788 | are used only when PCRE is compiled to use the heap for remembering | are used only when PCRE is compiled to use the heap for remembering |
789 | data, instead of recursive function calls, when running the pcre_exec() | data, instead of recursive function calls, when running the pcre_exec() |
790 | function. This is a non-standard way of building PCRE, for use in envi- | function. See the pcrebuild documentation for details of how to do |
791 | ronments that have limited stacks. Because of the greater use of memory | this. It is a non-standard way of building PCRE, for use in environ- |
792 | management, it runs more slowly. Separate functions are provided so | ments that have limited stacks. Because of the greater use of memory |
793 | that special-purpose external code can be used for this case. When | management, it runs more slowly. Separate functions are provided so |
794 | used, these functions are always called in a stack-like manner (last | that special-purpose external code can be used for this case. When |
795 | obtained, first freed), and always for memory blocks of the same size. | used, these functions are always called in a stack-like manner (last |
796 | obtained, first freed), and always for memory blocks of the same size. | |
797 | There is a discussion about PCRE's stack usage in the pcrestack docu- | |
798 | mentation. | |
799 | ||
800 | The global variable pcre_callout initially contains NULL. It can be set | The global variable pcre_callout initially contains NULL. It can be set |
801 | by the caller to a "callout" function, which PCRE will then call at | by the caller to a "callout" function, which PCRE will then call at |
# | Line 736 PCRE API OVERVIEW | Line 803 PCRE API OVERVIEW |
803 | pcrecallout documentation. | pcrecallout documentation. |
804 | ||
805 | ||
806 | NEWLINES | |
807 | ||
808 | PCRE supports four different conventions for indicating line breaks in | |
809 | strings: a single CR (carriage return) character, a single LF (line- | |
810 | feed) character, the two-character sequence CRLF, or any Unicode new- | |
811 | line sequence. The Unicode newline sequences are the three just men- | |
812 | tioned, plus the single characters VT (vertical tab, U+000B), FF (form- | |
813 | feed, U+000C), NEL (next line, U+0085), LS (line separator, U+2028), | |
814 | and PS (paragraph separator, U+2029). | |
815 | ||
816 | Each of the first three conventions is used by at least one operating | |
817 | system as its standard newline sequence. When PCRE is built, a default | |
818 | can be specified. The default default is LF, which is the Unix stan- | |
819 | dard. When PCRE is run, the default can be overridden, either when a | |
820 | pattern is compiled, or when it is matched. | |
821 | ||
822 | In the PCRE documentation the word "newline" is used to mean "the char- | |
823 | acter or pair of characters that indicate a line break". The choice of | |
824 | newline convention affects the handling of the dot, circumflex, and | |
825 | dollar metacharacters, the handling of #-comments in /x mode, and, when | |
826 | CRLF is a recognized line ending sequence, the match position advance- | |
827 | ment for a non-anchored pattern. The choice of newline convention does | |
828 | not affect the interpretation of the \n or \r escape sequences. | |
829 | ||
830 | ||
831 | MULTITHREADING | MULTITHREADING |
832 | ||
833 | The PCRE functions can be used in multi-threading applications, with | The PCRE functions can be used in multi-threading applications, with |
# | Line 782 CHECKING BUILD-TIME OPTIONS | Line 874 CHECKING BUILD-TIME OPTIONS |
874 | ||
875 | PCRE_CONFIG_NEWLINE | PCRE_CONFIG_NEWLINE |
876 | ||
877 | The output is an integer that is set to the value of the code that is | The output is an integer whose value specifies the default character |
878 | used for the newline character. It is either linefeed (10) or carriage | sequence that is recognized as meaning "newline". The four values that |
879 | return (13), and should normally be the standard character for your | are supported are: 10 for LF, 13 for CR, 3338 for CRLF, and -1 for ANY. |
880 | operating system. | The default should normally be the standard sequence for your operating |
881 | system. | |
882 | ||
883 | PCRE_CONFIG_LINK_SIZE | PCRE_CONFIG_LINK_SIZE |
884 | ||
885 | The output is an integer that contains the number of bytes used for | The output is an integer that contains the number of bytes used for |
886 | internal linkage in compiled regular expressions. The value is 2, 3, or | internal linkage in compiled regular expressions. The value is 2, 3, or |
887 | 4. Larger values allow larger regular expressions to be compiled, at | 4. Larger values allow larger regular expressions to be compiled, at |
888 | the expense of slower matching. The default value of 2 is sufficient | the expense of slower matching. The default value of 2 is sufficient |
889 | for all but the most massive patterns, since it allows the compiled | for all but the most massive patterns, since it allows the compiled |
890 | pattern to be up to 64K in size. | pattern to be up to 64K in size. |
891 | ||
892 | PCRE_CONFIG_POSIX_MALLOC_THRESHOLD | PCRE_CONFIG_POSIX_MALLOC_THRESHOLD |
893 | ||
894 | The output is an integer that contains the threshold above which the | The output is an integer that contains the threshold above which the |
895 | POSIX interface uses malloc() for output vectors. Further details are | POSIX interface uses malloc() for output vectors. Further details are |
896 | given in the pcreposix documentation. | given in the pcreposix documentation. |
897 | ||
898 | PCRE_CONFIG_MATCH_LIMIT | PCRE_CONFIG_MATCH_LIMIT |
899 | ||
900 | The output is an integer that gives the default limit for the number of | The output is an integer that gives the default limit for the number of |
901 | internal matching function calls in a pcre_exec() execution. Further | internal matching function calls in a pcre_exec() execution. Further |
902 | details are given with pcre_exec() below. | details are given with pcre_exec() below. |
903 | ||
904 | PCRE_CONFIG_MATCH_LIMIT_RECURSION | |
905 | ||
906 | The output is an integer that gives the default limit for the depth of | |
907 | recursion when calling the internal matching function in a pcre_exec() | |
908 | execution. Further details are given with pcre_exec() below. | |
909 | ||
910 | PCRE_CONFIG_STACKRECURSE | PCRE_CONFIG_STACKRECURSE |
911 | ||
912 | The output is an integer that is set to one if internal recursion when | The output is an integer that is set to one if internal recursion when |
913 | running pcre_exec() is implemented by recursive function calls that use | running pcre_exec() is implemented by recursive function calls that use |
914 | the stack to remember their state. This is the usual way that PCRE is | the stack to remember their state. This is the usual way that PCRE is |
915 | compiled. The output is zero if PCRE was compiled to use blocks of data | compiled. The output is zero if PCRE was compiled to use blocks of data |
916 | on the heap instead of recursive function calls. In this case, | on the heap instead of recursive function calls. In this case, |
917 | pcre_stack_malloc and pcre_stack_free are called to manage memory | pcre_stack_malloc and pcre_stack_free are called to manage memory |
918 | blocks on the heap, thus avoiding the use of the stack. | blocks on the heap, thus avoiding the use of the stack. |
919 | ||
920 | ||
# | Line 832 COMPILING A PATTERN | Line 931 COMPILING A PATTERN |
931 | ||
932 | Either of the functions pcre_compile() or pcre_compile2() can be called | Either of the functions pcre_compile() or pcre_compile2() can be called |
933 | to compile a pattern into an internal form. The only difference between | to compile a pattern into an internal form. The only difference between |
934 | the two interfaces is that pcre_compile2() has an additional argument, | the two interfaces is that pcre_compile2() has an additional argument, |
935 | errorcodeptr, via which a numerical error code can be returned. | errorcodeptr, via which a numerical error code can be returned. |
936 | ||
937 | The pattern is a C string terminated by a binary zero, and is passed in | The pattern is a C string terminated by a binary zero, and is passed in |
938 | the pattern argument. A pointer to a single block of memory that is | the pattern argument. A pointer to a single block of memory that is |
939 | obtained via pcre_malloc is returned. This contains the compiled code | obtained via pcre_malloc is returned. This contains the compiled code |
940 | and related data. The pcre type is defined for the returned block; this | and related data. The pcre type is defined for the returned block; this |
941 | is a typedef for a structure whose contents are not externally defined. | is a typedef for a structure whose contents are not externally defined. |
942 | It is up to the caller to free the memory when it is no longer | It is up to the caller to free the memory (via pcre_free) when it is no |
943 | required. | longer required. |
944 | ||
945 | Although the compiled code of a PCRE regex is relocatable, that is, it | Although the compiled code of a PCRE regex is relocatable, that is, it |
946 | does not depend on memory location, the complete pcre data block is not | does not depend on memory location, the complete pcre data block is not |
947 | fully relocatable, because it may contain a copy of the tableptr argu- | fully relocatable, because it may contain a copy of the tableptr argu- |
948 | ment, which is an address (see below). | ment, which is an address (see below). |
949 | ||
950 | The options argument contains independent bits that affect the compila- | The options argument contains various bit settings that affect the com- |
951 | tion. It should be zero if no options are required. The available | pilation. It should be zero if no options are required. The available |
952 | options are described below. Some of them, in particular, those that | options are described below. Some of them, in particular, those that |
953 | are compatible with Perl, can also be set and unset from within the | are compatible with Perl, can also be set and unset from within the |
954 | pattern (see the detailed description in the pcrepattern documenta- | pattern (see the detailed description in the pcrepattern documenta- |
955 | tion). For these options, the contents of the options argument speci- | tion). For these options, the contents of the options argument speci- |
956 | fies their initial settings at the start of compilation and execution. | fies their initial settings at the start of compilation and execution. |
957 | The PCRE_ANCHORED option can be set at the time of matching as well as | The PCRE_ANCHORED and PCRE_NEWLINE_xxx options can be set at the time |
958 | at compile time. | of matching as well as at compile time. |
959 | ||
960 | If errptr is NULL, pcre_compile() returns NULL immediately. Otherwise, | If errptr is NULL, pcre_compile() returns NULL immediately. Otherwise, |
961 | if compilation of a pattern fails, pcre_compile() returns NULL, and | if compilation of a pattern fails, pcre_compile() returns NULL, and |
962 | sets the variable pointed to by errptr to point to a textual error mes- | sets the variable pointed to by errptr to point to a textual error mes- |
963 | sage. The offset from the start of the pattern to the character where | sage. This is a static string that is part of the library. You must not |
964 | the error was discovered is placed in the variable pointed to by | try to free it. The offset from the start of the pattern to the charac- |
965 | erroffset, which must not be NULL. If it is, an immediate error is | ter where the error was discovered is placed in the variable pointed to |
966 | by erroffset, which must not be NULL. If it is, an immediate error is | |
967 | given. | given. |
968 | ||
969 | If pcre_compile2() is used instead of pcre_compile(), and the error- | If pcre_compile2() is used instead of pcre_compile(), and the error- |
# | Line 926 COMPILING A PATTERN | Line 1026 COMPILING A PATTERN |
1026 | ||
1027 | If this bit is set, a dollar metacharacter in the pattern matches only | If this bit is set, a dollar metacharacter in the pattern matches only |
1028 | at the end of the subject string. Without this option, a dollar also | at the end of the subject string. Without this option, a dollar also |
1029 | matches immediately before the final character if it is a newline (but | matches immediately before a newline at the end of the string (but not |
1030 | not before any other newlines). The PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY option is | before any other newlines). The PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY option is ignored |
1031 | ignored if PCRE_MULTILINE is set. There is no equivalent to this option | if PCRE_MULTILINE is set. There is no equivalent to this option in |
1032 | in Perl, and no way to set it within a pattern. | Perl, and no way to set it within a pattern. |
1033 | ||
1034 | PCRE_DOTALL | PCRE_DOTALL |
1035 | ||
1036 | If this bit is set, a dot metacharater in the pattern matches all char- | If this bit is set, a dot metacharater in the pattern matches all char- |
1037 | acters, including newlines. Without it, newlines are excluded. This | acters, including those that indicate newline. Without it, a dot does |
1038 | option is equivalent to Perl's /s option, and it can be changed within | not match when the current position is at a newline. This option is |
1039 | a pattern by a (?s) option setting. A negative class such as [^a] | equivalent to Perl's /s option, and it can be changed within a pattern |
1040 | always matches a newline character, independent of the setting of this | by a (?s) option setting. A negative class such as [^a] always matches |
1041 | option. | newline characters, independent of the setting of this option. |
1042 | ||
1043 | PCRE_DUPNAMES | |
1044 | ||
1045 | If this bit is set, names used to identify capturing subpatterns need | |
1046 | not be unique. This can be helpful for certain types of pattern when it | |
1047 | is known that only one instance of the named subpattern can ever be | |
1048 | matched. There are more details of named subpatterns below; see also | |
1049 | the pcrepattern documentation. | |
1050 | ||
1051 | PCRE_EXTENDED | PCRE_EXTENDED |
1052 | ||
# | Line 946 COMPILING A PATTERN | Line 1054 COMPILING A PATTERN |
1054 | totally ignored except when escaped or inside a character class. White- | totally ignored except when escaped or inside a character class. White- |
1055 | space does not include the VT character (code 11). In addition, charac- | space does not include the VT character (code 11). In addition, charac- |
1056 | ters between an unescaped # outside a character class and the next new- | ters between an unescaped # outside a character class and the next new- |
1057 | line character, inclusive, are also ignored. This is equivalent to | line, inclusive, are also ignored. This is equivalent to Perl's /x |
1058 | Perl's /x option, and it can be changed within a pattern by a (?x) | option, and it can be changed within a pattern by a (?x) option set- |
1059 | option setting. | ting. |
1060 | ||
1061 | This option makes it possible to include comments inside complicated | This option makes it possible to include comments inside complicated |
1062 | patterns. Note, however, that this applies only to data characters. | patterns. Note, however, that this applies only to data characters. |
# | Line 964 COMPILING A PATTERN | Line 1072 COMPILING A PATTERN |
1072 | letter that has no special meaning causes an error, thus reserving | letter that has no special meaning causes an error, thus reserving |
1073 | these combinations for future expansion. By default, as in Perl, a | these combinations for future expansion. By default, as in Perl, a |
1074 | backslash followed by a letter with no special meaning is treated as a | backslash followed by a letter with no special meaning is treated as a |
1075 | literal. There are at present no other features controlled by this | literal. (Perl can, however, be persuaded to give a warning for this.) |
1076 | option. It can also be set by a (?X) option setting within a pattern. | There are at present no other features controlled by this option. It |
1077 | can also be set by a (?X) option setting within a pattern. | |
1078 | ||
1079 | PCRE_FIRSTLINE | PCRE_FIRSTLINE |
1080 | ||
1081 | If this option is set, an unanchored pattern is required to match | If this option is set, an unanchored pattern is required to match |
1082 | before or at the first newline character in the subject string, though | before or at the first newline in the subject string, though the |
1083 | the matched text may continue over the newline. | matched text may continue over the newline. |
1084 | ||
1085 | PCRE_MULTILINE | PCRE_MULTILINE |
1086 | ||
1087 | By default, PCRE treats the subject string as consisting of a single | By default, PCRE treats the subject string as consisting of a single |
1088 | line of characters (even if it actually contains newlines). The "start | line of characters (even if it actually contains newlines). The "start |
1089 | of line" metacharacter (^) matches only at the start of the string, | of line" metacharacter (^) matches only at the start of the string, |
1090 | while the "end of line" metacharacter ($) matches only at the end of | while the "end of line" metacharacter ($) matches only at the end of |
1091 | the string, or before a terminating newline (unless PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY | the string, or before a terminating newline (unless PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY |
1092 | is set). This is the same as Perl. | is set). This is the same as Perl. |
1093 | ||
1094 | When PCRE_MULTILINE it is set, the "start of line" and "end of line" | When PCRE_MULTILINE it is set, the "start of line" and "end of line" |
1095 | constructs match immediately following or immediately before any new- | constructs match immediately following or immediately before internal |
1096 | line in the subject string, respectively, as well as at the very start | newlines in the subject string, respectively, as well as at the very |
1097 | and end. This is equivalent to Perl's /m option, and it can be changed | start and end. This is equivalent to Perl's /m option, and it can be |
1098 | within a pattern by a (?m) option setting. If there are no "\n" charac- | changed within a pattern by a (?m) option setting. If there are no new- |
1099 | ters in a subject string, or no occurrences of ^ or $ in a pattern, | lines in a subject string, or no occurrences of ^ or $ in a pattern, |
1100 | setting PCRE_MULTILINE has no effect. | setting PCRE_MULTILINE has no effect. |
1101 | ||
1102 | PCRE_NEWLINE_CR | |
1103 | PCRE_NEWLINE_LF | |
1104 | PCRE_NEWLINE_CRLF | |
1105 | PCRE_NEWLINE_ANY | |
1106 | ||
1107 | These options override the default newline definition that was chosen | |
1108 | when PCRE was built. Setting the first or the second specifies that a | |
1109 | newline is indicated by a single character (CR or LF, respectively). | |
1110 | Setting PCRE_NEWLINE_CRLF specifies that a newline is indicated by the | |
1111 | two-character CRLF sequence. Setting PCRE_NEWLINE_ANY specifies that | |
1112 | any Unicode newline sequence should be recognized. The Unicode newline | |
1113 | sequences are the three just mentioned, plus the single characters VT | |
1114 | (vertical tab, U+000B), FF (formfeed, U+000C), NEL (next line, U+0085), | |
1115 | LS (line separator, U+2028), and PS (paragraph separator, U+2029). The | |
1116 | last two are recognized only in UTF-8 mode. | |
1117 | ||
1118 | The newline setting in the options word uses three bits that are | |
1119 | treated as a number, giving eight possibilities. Currently only five | |
1120 | are used (default plus the four values above). This means that if you | |
1121 | set more than one newline option, the combination may or may not be | |
1122 | sensible. For example, PCRE_NEWLINE_CR with PCRE_NEWLINE_LF is equiva- | |
1123 | lent to PCRE_NEWLINE_CRLF, but other combinations yield unused numbers | |
1124 | and cause an error. | |
1125 | ||
1126 | The only time that a line break is specially recognized when compiling | |
1127 | a pattern is if PCRE_EXTENDED is set, and an unescaped # outside a | |
1128 | character class is encountered. This indicates a comment that lasts | |
1129 | until after the next line break sequence. In other circumstances, line | |
1130 | break sequences are treated as literal data, except that in | |
1131 | PCRE_EXTENDED mode, both CR and LF are treated as whitespace characters | |
1132 | and are therefore ignored. | |
1133 | ||
1134 | The newline option that is set at compile time becomes the default that | |
1135 | is used for pcre_exec() and pcre_dfa_exec(), but it can be overridden. | |
1136 | ||
1137 | PCRE_NO_AUTO_CAPTURE | PCRE_NO_AUTO_CAPTURE |
1138 | ||
1139 | If this option is set, it disables the use of numbered capturing paren- | If this option is set, it disables the use of numbered capturing paren- |
# | Line 1031 COMPILATION ERROR CODES | Line 1175 COMPILATION ERROR CODES |
1175 | ||
1176 | The following table lists the error codes than may be returned by | The following table lists the error codes than may be returned by |
1177 | pcre_compile2(), along with the error messages that may be returned by | pcre_compile2(), along with the error messages that may be returned by |
1178 | both compiling functions. | both compiling functions. As PCRE has developed, some error codes have |
1179 | fallen out of use. To avoid confusion, they have not been re-used. | |
1180 | ||
1181 | 0 no error | 0 no error |
1182 | 1 \ at end of pattern | 1 \ at end of pattern |
# | Line 1043 COMPILATION ERROR CODES | Line 1188 COMPILATION ERROR CODES |
1188 | 7 invalid escape sequence in character class | 7 invalid escape sequence in character class |
1189 | 8 range out of order in character class | 8 range out of order in character class |
1190 | 9 nothing to repeat | 9 nothing to repeat |
1191 | 10 operand of unlimited repeat could match the empty string | 10 [this code is not in use] |
1192 | 11 internal error: unexpected repeat | 11 internal error: unexpected repeat |
1193 | 12 unrecognized character after (? | 12 unrecognized character after (? |
1194 | 13 POSIX named classes are supported only within a class | 13 POSIX named classes are supported only within a class |
# | Line 1052 COMPILATION ERROR CODES | Line 1197 COMPILATION ERROR CODES |
1197 | 16 erroffset passed as NULL | 16 erroffset passed as NULL |
1198 | 17 unknown option bit(s) set | 17 unknown option bit(s) set |
1199 | 18 missing ) after comment | 18 missing ) after comment |
1200 | 19 parentheses nested too deeply | 19 [this code is not in use] |
1201 | 20 regular expression too large | 20 regular expression too large |
1202 | 21 failed to get memory | 21 failed to get memory |
1203 | 22 unmatched parentheses | 22 unmatched parentheses |
1204 | 23 internal error: code overflow | 23 internal error: code overflow |
1205 | 24 unrecognized character after (?< | 24 unrecognized character after (?< |
1206 | 25 lookbehind assertion is not fixed length | 25 lookbehind assertion is not fixed length |
1207 | 26 malformed number after (?( | 26 malformed number or name after (?( |
1208 | 27 conditional group contains more than two branches | 27 conditional group contains more than two branches |
1209 | 28 assertion expected after (?( | 28 assertion expected after (?( |
1210 | 29 (?R or (?digits must be followed by ) | 29 (?R or (?digits must be followed by ) |
1211 | 30 unknown POSIX class name | 30 unknown POSIX class name |
1212 | 31 POSIX collating elements are not supported | 31 POSIX collating elements are not supported |
1213 | 32 this version of PCRE is not compiled with PCRE_UTF8 support | 32 this version of PCRE is not compiled with PCRE_UTF8 support |
1214 | 33 spare error | 33 [this code is not in use] |
1215 | 34 character value in \x{...} sequence is too large | 34 character value in \x{...} sequence is too large |
1216 | 35 invalid condition (?(0) | 35 invalid condition (?(0) |
1217 | 36 \C not allowed in lookbehind assertion | 36 \C not allowed in lookbehind assertion |
# | Line 1075 COMPILATION ERROR CODES | Line 1220 COMPILATION ERROR CODES |
1220 | 39 closing ) for (?C expected | 39 closing ) for (?C expected |
1221 | 40 recursive call could loop indefinitely | 40 recursive call could loop indefinitely |
1222 | 41 unrecognized character after (?P | 41 unrecognized character after (?P |
1223 | 42 syntax error after (?P | 42 syntax error in subpattern name (missing terminator) |
1224 | 43 two named groups have the same name | 43 two named subpatterns have the same name |
1225 | 44 invalid UTF-8 string | 44 invalid UTF-8 string |
1226 | 45 support for \P, \p, and \X has not been compiled | 45 support for \P, \p, and \X has not been compiled |
1227 | 46 malformed \P or \p sequence | 46 malformed \P or \p sequence |
1228 | 47 unknown property name after \P or \p | 47 unknown property name after \P or \p |
1229 | 48 subpattern name is too long (maximum 32 characters) | |
1230 | 49 too many named subpatterns (maximum 10,000) | |
1231 | 50 repeated subpattern is too long | |
1232 | 51 octal value is greater than \377 (not in UTF-8 mode) | |
1233 | 52 internal error: overran compiling workspace | |
1234 | 53 internal error: previously-checked referenced subpattern not | |
1235 | found | |
1236 | 54 DEFINE group contains more than one branch | |
1237 | 55 repeating a DEFINE group is not allowed | |
1238 | 56 inconsistent NEWLINE options" | |
1239 | ||
1240 | ||
1241 | STUDYING A PATTERN | STUDYING A PATTERN |
# | Line 1111 STUDYING A PATTERN | Line 1266 STUDYING A PATTERN |
1266 | ||
1267 | The third argument for pcre_study() is a pointer for an error message. | The third argument for pcre_study() is a pointer for an error message. |
1268 | If studying succeeds (even if no data is returned), the variable it | If studying succeeds (even if no data is returned), the variable it |
1269 | points to is set to NULL. Otherwise it points to a textual error mes- | points to is set to NULL. Otherwise it is set to point to a textual |
1270 | sage. You should therefore test the error pointer for NULL after call- | error message. This is a static string that is part of the library. You |
1271 | ing pcre_study(), to be sure that it has run successfully. | must not try to free it. You should test the error pointer for NULL |
1272 | after calling pcre_study(), to be sure that it has run successfully. | |
1273 | ||
1274 | This is a typical call to pcre_study(): | This is a typical call to pcre_study(): |
1275 | ||
# | Line 1124 STUDYING A PATTERN | Line 1280 STUDYING A PATTERN |
1280 | &error); /* set to NULL or points to a message */ | &error); /* set to NULL or points to a message */ |
1281 | ||
1282 | At present, studying a pattern is useful only for non-anchored patterns | At present, studying a pattern is useful only for non-anchored patterns |
1283 | that do not have a single fixed starting character. A bitmap of possi- | that do not have a single fixed starting character. A bitmap of possi- |
1284 | ble starting bytes is created. | ble starting bytes is created. |
1285 | ||
1286 | ||
1287 | LOCALE SUPPORT | LOCALE SUPPORT |
1288 | ||
1289 | PCRE handles caseless matching, and determines whether characters are | PCRE handles caseless matching, and determines whether characters are |
1290 | letters digits, or whatever, by reference to a set of tables, indexed | letters digits, or whatever, by reference to a set of tables, indexed |
1291 | by character value. When running in UTF-8 mode, this applies only to | by character value. When running in UTF-8 mode, this applies only to |
1292 | characters with codes less than 128. Higher-valued codes never match | characters with codes less than 128. Higher-valued codes never match |
1293 | escapes such as \w or \d, but can be tested with \p if PCRE is built | escapes such as \w or \d, but can be tested with \p if PCRE is built |
1294 | with Unicode character property support. | with Unicode character property support. The use of locales with Uni- |
1295 | code is discouraged. | |
1296 | ||
1297 | An internal set of tables is created in the default C locale when PCRE | An internal set of tables is created in the default C locale when PCRE |
1298 | is built. This is used when the final argument of pcre_compile() is | is built. This is used when the final argument of pcre_compile() is |
# | Line 1200 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1357 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1357 | pattern: | pattern: |
1358 | ||
1359 | int rc; | int rc; |
1360 | unsigned long int length; | size_t length; |
1361 | rc = pcre_fullinfo( | rc = pcre_fullinfo( |
1362 | re, /* result of pcre_compile() */ | re, /* result of pcre_compile() */ |
1363 | pe, /* result of pcre_study(), or NULL */ | pe, /* result of pcre_study(), or NULL */ |
# | Line 1232 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1389 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1389 | PCRE_INFO_FIRSTBYTE | PCRE_INFO_FIRSTBYTE |
1390 | ||
1391 | Return information about the first byte of any matched string, for a | Return information about the first byte of any matched string, for a |
1392 | non-anchored pattern. (This option used to be called | non-anchored pattern. The fourth argument should point to an int vari- |
1393 | PCRE_INFO_FIRSTCHAR; the old name is still recognized for backwards | able. (This option used to be called PCRE_INFO_FIRSTCHAR; the old name |
1394 | compatibility.) | is still recognized for backwards compatibility.) |
1395 | ||
1396 | If there is a fixed first byte, for example, from a pattern such as | If there is a fixed first byte, for example, from a pattern such as |
1397 | (cat|cow|coyote), it is returned in the integer pointed to by where. | (cat|cow|coyote), its value is returned. Otherwise, if either |
Otherwise, if either | ||
1398 | ||
1399 | (a) the pattern was compiled with the PCRE_MULTILINE option, and every | (a) the pattern was compiled with the PCRE_MULTILINE option, and every |
1400 | branch starts with "^", or | branch starts with "^", or |
1401 | ||
1402 | (b) every branch of the pattern starts with ".*" and PCRE_DOTALL is not | (b) every branch of the pattern starts with ".*" and PCRE_DOTALL is not |
1403 | set (if it were set, the pattern would be anchored), | set (if it were set, the pattern would be anchored), |
1404 | ||
1405 | -1 is returned, indicating that the pattern matches only at the start | -1 is returned, indicating that the pattern matches only at the start |
1406 | of a subject string or after any newline within the string. Otherwise | of a subject string or after any newline within the string. Otherwise |
1407 | -2 is returned. For anchored patterns, -2 is returned. | -2 is returned. For anchored patterns, -2 is returned. |
1408 | ||
1409 | PCRE_INFO_FIRSTTABLE | PCRE_INFO_FIRSTTABLE |
1410 | ||
1411 | If the pattern was studied, and this resulted in the construction of a | If the pattern was studied, and this resulted in the construction of a |
1412 | 256-bit table indicating a fixed set of bytes for the first byte in any | 256-bit table indicating a fixed set of bytes for the first byte in any |
1413 | matching string, a pointer to the table is returned. Otherwise NULL is | matching string, a pointer to the table is returned. Otherwise NULL is |
1414 | returned. The fourth argument should point to an unsigned char * vari- | returned. The fourth argument should point to an unsigned char * vari- |
1415 | able. | able. |
1416 | ||
1417 | PCRE_INFO_LASTLITERAL | PCRE_INFO_LASTLITERAL |
1418 | ||
1419 | Return the value of the rightmost literal byte that must exist in any | Return the value of the rightmost literal byte that must exist in any |
1420 | matched string, other than at its start, if such a byte has been | matched string, other than at its start, if such a byte has been |
1421 | recorded. The fourth argument should point to an int variable. If there | recorded. The fourth argument should point to an int variable. If there |
1422 | is no such byte, -1 is returned. For anchored patterns, a last literal | is no such byte, -1 is returned. For anchored patterns, a last literal |
1423 | byte is recorded only if it follows something of variable length. For | byte is recorded only if it follows something of variable length. For |
1424 | example, for the pattern /^a\d+z\d+/ the returned value is "z", but for | example, for the pattern /^a\d+z\d+/ the returned value is "z", but for |
1425 | /^a\dz\d/ the returned value is -1. | /^a\dz\d/ the returned value is -1. |
1426 | ||
# | Line 1272 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1428 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1428 | PCRE_INFO_NAMEENTRYSIZE | PCRE_INFO_NAMEENTRYSIZE |
1429 | PCRE_INFO_NAMETABLE | PCRE_INFO_NAMETABLE |
1430 | ||
1431 | PCRE supports the use of named as well as numbered capturing parenthe- | PCRE supports the use of named as well as numbered capturing parenthe- |
1432 | ses. The names are just an additional way of identifying the parenthe- | ses. The names are just an additional way of identifying the parenthe- |
1433 | ses, which still acquire numbers. A convenience function called | ses, which still acquire numbers. Several convenience functions such as |
1434 | pcre_get_named_substring() is provided for extracting an individual | pcre_get_named_substring() are provided for extracting captured sub- |
1435 | captured substring by name. It is also possible to extract the data | strings by name. It is also possible to extract the data directly, by |
1436 | directly, by first converting the name to a number in order to access | first converting the name to a number in order to access the correct |
1437 | the correct pointers in the output vector (described with pcre_exec() | pointers in the output vector (described with pcre_exec() below). To do |
1438 | below). To do the conversion, you need to use the name-to-number map, | the conversion, you need to use the name-to-number map, which is |
1439 | which is described by these three values. | described by these three values. |
1440 | ||
1441 | The map consists of a number of fixed-size entries. PCRE_INFO_NAMECOUNT | The map consists of a number of fixed-size entries. PCRE_INFO_NAMECOUNT |
1442 | gives the number of entries, and PCRE_INFO_NAMEENTRYSIZE gives the size | gives the number of entries, and PCRE_INFO_NAMEENTRYSIZE gives the size |
1443 | of each entry; both of these return an int value. The entry size | of each entry; both of these return an int value. The entry size |
1444 | depends on the length of the longest name. PCRE_INFO_NAMETABLE returns | depends on the length of the longest name. PCRE_INFO_NAMETABLE returns |
1445 | a pointer to the first entry of the table (a pointer to char). The | a pointer to the first entry of the table (a pointer to char). The |
1446 | first two bytes of each entry are the number of the capturing parenthe- | first two bytes of each entry are the number of the capturing parenthe- |
1447 | sis, most significant byte first. The rest of the entry is the corre- | sis, most significant byte first. The rest of the entry is the corre- |
1448 | sponding name, zero terminated. The names are in alphabetical order. | sponding name, zero terminated. The names are in alphabetical order. |
1449 | For example, consider the following pattern (assume PCRE_EXTENDED is | When PCRE_DUPNAMES is set, duplicate names are in order of their paren- |
1450 | set, so white space - including newlines - is ignored): | theses numbers. For example, consider the following pattern (assume |
1451 | PCRE_EXTENDED is set, so white space - including newlines - is | |
1452 | ignored): | |
1453 | ||
1454 | (?P<date> (?P<year>(\d\d)?\d\d) - | (?<date> (?<year>(\d\d)?\d\d) - |
1455 | (?P<month>\d\d) - (?P<day>\d\d) ) | (?<month>\d\d) - (?<day>\d\d) ) |
1456 | ||
1457 | There are four named subpatterns, so the table has four entries, and | There are four named subpatterns, so the table has four entries, and |
1458 | each entry in the table is eight bytes long. The table is as follows, | each entry in the table is eight bytes long. The table is as follows, |
1459 | with non-printing bytes shows in hexadecimal, and undefined bytes shown | with non-printing bytes shows in hexadecimal, and undefined bytes shown |
1460 | as ??: | as ??: |
1461 | ||
# | Line 1306 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1464 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1464 | 00 04 m o n t h 00 | 00 04 m o n t h 00 |
1465 | 00 02 y e a r 00 ?? | 00 02 y e a r 00 ?? |
1466 | ||
1467 | When writing code to extract data from named subpatterns using the | When writing code to extract data from named subpatterns using the |
1468 | name-to-number map, remember that the length of each entry is likely to | name-to-number map, remember that the length of the entries is likely |
1469 | be different for each compiled pattern. | to be different for each compiled pattern. |
1470 | ||
1471 | PCRE_INFO_OPTIONS | PCRE_INFO_OPTIONS |
1472 | ||
1473 | Return a copy of the options with which the pattern was compiled. The | Return a copy of the options with which the pattern was compiled. The |
1474 | fourth argument should point to an unsigned long int variable. These | fourth argument should point to an unsigned long int variable. These |
1475 | option bits are those specified in the call to pcre_compile(), modified | option bits are those specified in the call to pcre_compile(), modified |
1476 | by any top-level option settings within the pattern itself. | by any top-level option settings within the pattern itself. |
1477 | ||
1478 | A pattern is automatically anchored by PCRE if all of its top-level | A pattern is automatically anchored by PCRE if all of its top-level |
1479 | alternatives begin with one of the following: | alternatives begin with one of the following: |
1480 | ||
1481 | ^ unless PCRE_MULTILINE is set | ^ unless PCRE_MULTILINE is set |
# | Line 1331 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1489 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1489 | ||
1490 | PCRE_INFO_SIZE | PCRE_INFO_SIZE |
1491 | ||
1492 | Return the size of the compiled pattern, that is, the value that was | Return the size of the compiled pattern, that is, the value that was |
1493 | passed as the argument to pcre_malloc() when PCRE was getting memory in | passed as the argument to pcre_malloc() when PCRE was getting memory in |
1494 | which to place the compiled data. The fourth argument should point to a | which to place the compiled data. The fourth argument should point to a |
1495 | size_t variable. | size_t variable. |
# | Line 1339 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN | Line 1497 INFORMATION ABOUT A PATTERN |
1497 | PCRE_INFO_STUDYSIZE | PCRE_INFO_STUDYSIZE |
1498 | ||
1499 | Return the size of the data block pointed to by the study_data field in | Return the size of the data block pointed to by the study_data field in |
1500 | a pcre_extra block. That is, it is the value that was passed to | a pcre_extra block. That is, it is the value that was passed to |
1501 | pcre_malloc() when PCRE was getting memory into which to place the data | pcre_malloc() when PCRE was getting memory into which to place the data |
1502 | created by pcre_study(). The fourth argument should point to a size_t | created by pcre_study(). The fourth argument should point to a size_t |
1503 | variable. | variable. |
1504 | ||
1505 | ||
# | Line 1349 OBSOLETE INFO FUNCTION | Line 1507 OBSOLETE INFO FUNCTION |
1507 | ||
1508 | int pcre_info(const pcre *code, int *optptr, int *firstcharptr); | int pcre_info(const pcre *code, int *optptr, int *firstcharptr); |
1509 | ||
1510 | The pcre_info() function is now obsolete because its interface is too | The pcre_info() function is now obsolete because its interface is too |
1511 | restrictive to return all the available data about a compiled pattern. | restrictive to return all the available data about a compiled pattern. |
1512 | New programs should use pcre_fullinfo() instead. The yield of | New programs should use pcre_fullinfo() instead. The yield of |
1513 | pcre_info() is the number of capturing subpatterns, or one of the fol- | pcre_info() is the number of capturing subpatterns, or one of the fol- |
1514 | lowing negative numbers: | lowing negative numbers: |
1515 | ||
1516 | PCRE_ERROR_NULL the argument code was NULL | PCRE_ERROR_NULL the argument code was NULL |
1517 | PCRE_ERROR_BADMAGIC the "magic number" was not found | PCRE_ERROR_BADMAGIC the "magic number" was not found |
1518 | ||
1519 | If the optptr argument is not NULL, a copy of the options with which | If the optptr argument is not NULL, a copy of the options with which |
1520 | the pattern was compiled is placed in the integer it points to (see | the pattern was compiled is placed in the integer it points to (see |
1521 | PCRE_INFO_OPTIONS above). | PCRE_INFO_OPTIONS above). |
1522 | ||
1523 | If the pattern is not anchored and the firstcharptr argument is not | If the pattern is not anchored and the firstcharptr argument is not |
1524 | NULL, it is used to pass back information about the first character of | NULL, it is used to pass back information about the first character of |
1525 | any matched string (see PCRE_INFO_FIRSTBYTE above). | any matched string (see PCRE_INFO_FIRSTBYTE above). |
1526 | ||
1527 | ||
# | Line 1371 REFERENCE COUNTS | Line 1529 REFERENCE COUNTS |
1529 | ||
1530 | int pcre_refcount(pcre *code, int adjust); | int pcre_refcount(pcre *code, int adjust); |
1531 | ||
1532 | The pcre_refcount() function is used to maintain a reference count in | The pcre_refcount() function is used to maintain a reference count in |
1533 | the data block that contains a compiled pattern. It is provided for the | the data block that contains a compiled pattern. It is provided for the |
1534 | benefit of applications that operate in an object-oriented manner, | benefit of applications that operate in an object-oriented manner, |
1535 | where different parts of the application may be using the same compiled | where different parts of the application may be using the same compiled |
1536 | pattern, but you want to free the block when they are all done. | pattern, but you want to free the block when they are all done. |
1537 | ||
1538 | When a pattern is compiled, the reference count field is initialized to | When a pattern is compiled, the reference count field is initialized to |
1539 | zero. It is changed only by calling this function, whose action is to | zero. It is changed only by calling this function, whose action is to |
1540 | add the adjust value (which may be positive or negative) to it. The | add the adjust value (which may be positive or negative) to it. The |
1541 | yield of the function is the new value. However, the value of the count | yield of the function is the new value. However, the value of the count |
1542 | is constrained to lie between 0 and 65535, inclusive. If the new value | is constrained to lie between 0 and 65535, inclusive. If the new value |
1543 | is outside these limits, it is forced to the appropriate limit value. | is outside these limits, it is forced to the appropriate limit value. |
1544 | ||
1545 | Except when it is zero, the reference count is not correctly preserved | Except when it is zero, the reference count is not correctly preserved |
1546 | if a pattern is compiled on one host and then transferred to a host | if a pattern is compiled on one host and then transferred to a host |
1547 | whose byte-order is different. (This seems a highly unlikely scenario.) | whose byte-order is different. (This seems a highly unlikely scenario.) |
1548 | ||
1549 | ||
# | Line 1395 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1553 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1553 | const char *subject, int length, int startoffset, | const char *subject, int length, int startoffset, |
1554 | int options, int *ovector, int ovecsize); | int options, int *ovector, int ovecsize); |
1555 | ||
1556 | The function pcre_exec() is called to match a subject string against a | The function pcre_exec() is called to match a subject string against a |
1557 | compiled pattern, which is passed in the code argument. If the pattern | compiled pattern, which is passed in the code argument. If the pattern |
1558 | has been studied, the result of the study should be passed in the extra | has been studied, the result of the study should be passed in the extra |
1559 | argument. This function is the main matching facility of the library, | argument. This function is the main matching facility of the library, |
1560 | and it operates in a Perl-like manner. For specialist use there is also | and it operates in a Perl-like manner. For specialist use there is also |
1561 | an alternative matching function, which is described below in the sec- | an alternative matching function, which is described below in the sec- |
1562 | tion about the pcre_dfa_exec() function. | tion about the pcre_dfa_exec() function. |
1563 | ||
1564 | In most applications, the pattern will have been compiled (and option- | In most applications, the pattern will have been compiled (and option- |
1565 | ally studied) in the same process that calls pcre_exec(). However, it | ally studied) in the same process that calls pcre_exec(). However, it |
1566 | is possible to save compiled patterns and study data, and then use them | is possible to save compiled patterns and study data, and then use them |
1567 | later in different processes, possibly even on different hosts. For a | later in different processes, possibly even on different hosts. For a |
1568 | discussion about this, see the pcreprecompile documentation. | discussion about this, see the pcreprecompile documentation. |
1569 | ||
1570 | Here is an example of a simple call to pcre_exec(): | Here is an example of a simple call to pcre_exec(): |
# | Line 1425 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1583 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1583 | ||
1584 | Extra data for pcre_exec() | Extra data for pcre_exec() |
1585 | ||
1586 | If the extra argument is not NULL, it must point to a pcre_extra data | If the extra argument is not NULL, it must point to a pcre_extra data |
1587 | block. The pcre_study() function returns such a block (when it doesn't | block. The pcre_study() function returns such a block (when it doesn't |
1588 | return NULL), but you can also create one for yourself, and pass addi- | return NULL), but you can also create one for yourself, and pass addi- |
1589 | tional information in it. The fields in a pcre_extra block are as fol- | tional information in it. The pcre_extra block contains the following |
1590 | lows: | fields (not necessarily in this order): |
1591 | ||
1592 | unsigned long int flags; | unsigned long int flags; |
1593 | void *study_data; | void *study_data; |
1594 | unsigned long int match_limit; | unsigned long int match_limit; |
1595 | unsigned long int match_limit_recursion; | |
1596 | void *callout_data; | void *callout_data; |
1597 | const unsigned char *tables; | const unsigned char *tables; |
1598 | ||
1599 | The flags field is a bitmap that specifies which of the other fields | The flags field is a bitmap that specifies which of the other fields |
1600 | are set. The flag bits are: | are set. The flag bits are: |
1601 | ||
1602 | PCRE_EXTRA_STUDY_DATA | PCRE_EXTRA_STUDY_DATA |
1603 | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT |
1604 | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT_RECURSION | |
1605 | PCRE_EXTRA_CALLOUT_DATA | PCRE_EXTRA_CALLOUT_DATA |
1606 | PCRE_EXTRA_TABLES | PCRE_EXTRA_TABLES |
1607 | ||
1608 | Other flag bits should be set to zero. The study_data field is set in | Other flag bits should be set to zero. The study_data field is set in |
1609 | the pcre_extra block that is returned by pcre_study(), together with | the pcre_extra block that is returned by pcre_study(), together with |
1610 | the appropriate flag bit. You should not set this yourself, but you may | the appropriate flag bit. You should not set this yourself, but you may |
1611 | add to the block by setting the other fields and their corresponding | add to the block by setting the other fields and their corresponding |
1612 | flag bits. | flag bits. |
1613 | ||
1614 | The match_limit field provides a means of preventing PCRE from using up | The match_limit field provides a means of preventing PCRE from using up |
1615 | a vast amount of resources when running patterns that are not going to | a vast amount of resources when running patterns that are not going to |
1616 | match, but which have a very large number of possibilities in their | match, but which have a very large number of possibilities in their |
1617 | search trees. The classic example is the use of nested unlimited | search trees. The classic example is the use of nested unlimited |
1618 | repeats. | repeats. |
1619 | ||
1620 | Internally, PCRE uses a function called match() which it calls repeat- | Internally, PCRE uses a function called match() which it calls repeat- |
1621 | edly (sometimes recursively). The limit is imposed on the number of | edly (sometimes recursively). The limit set by match_limit is imposed |
1622 | times this function is called during a match, which has the effect of | on the number of times this function is called during a match, which |
1623 | limiting the amount of recursion and backtracking that can take place. | has the effect of limiting the amount of backtracking that can take |
1624 | For patterns that are not anchored, the count starts from zero for each | place. For patterns that are not anchored, the count restarts from zero |
1625 | position in the subject string. | for each position in the subject string. |
1626 | ||
1627 | The default limit for the library can be set when PCRE is built; the | The default value for the limit can be set when PCRE is built; the |
1628 | default default is 10 million, which handles all but the most extreme | default default is 10 million, which handles all but the most extreme |
1629 | cases. You can reduce the default by suppling pcre_exec() with a | cases. You can override the default by suppling pcre_exec() with a |
1630 | pcre_extra block in which match_limit is set to a smaller value, and | pcre_extra block in which match_limit is set, and |
1631 | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT is set in the flags field. If the limit is | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT is set in the flags field. If the limit is |
1632 | exceeded, pcre_exec() returns PCRE_ERROR_MATCHLIMIT. | exceeded, pcre_exec() returns PCRE_ERROR_MATCHLIMIT. |
1633 | ||
1634 | The pcre_callout field is used in conjunction with the "callout" fea- | The match_limit_recursion field is similar to match_limit, but instead |
1635 | of limiting the total number of times that match() is called, it limits | |
1636 | the depth of recursion. The recursion depth is a smaller number than | |
1637 | the total number of calls, because not all calls to match() are recur- | |
1638 | sive. This limit is of use only if it is set smaller than match_limit. | |
1639 | ||
1640 | Limiting the recursion depth limits the amount of stack that can be | |
1641 | used, or, when PCRE has been compiled to use memory on the heap instead | |
1642 | of the stack, the amount of heap memory that can be used. | |
1643 | ||
1644 | The default value for match_limit_recursion can be set when PCRE is | |
1645 | built; the default default is the same value as the default for | |
1646 | match_limit. You can override the default by suppling pcre_exec() with | |
1647 | a pcre_extra block in which match_limit_recursion is set, and | |
1648 | PCRE_EXTRA_MATCH_LIMIT_RECURSION is set in the flags field. If the | |
1649 | limit is exceeded, pcre_exec() returns PCRE_ERROR_RECURSIONLIMIT. | |
1650 | ||
1651 | The pcre_callout field is used in conjunction with the "callout" fea- | |
1652 | ture, which is described in the pcrecallout documentation. | ture, which is described in the pcrecallout documentation. |
1653 | ||
1654 | The tables field is used to pass a character tables pointer to | The tables field is used to pass a character tables pointer to |
1655 | pcre_exec(); this overrides the value that is stored with the compiled | pcre_exec(); this overrides the value that is stored with the compiled |
1656 | pattern. A non-NULL value is stored with the compiled pattern only if | pattern. A non-NULL value is stored with the compiled pattern only if |
1657 | custom tables were supplied to pcre_compile() via its tableptr argu- | custom tables were supplied to pcre_compile() via its tableptr argu- |
1658 | ment. If NULL is passed to pcre_exec() using this mechanism, it forces | ment. If NULL is passed to pcre_exec() using this mechanism, it forces |
1659 | PCRE's internal tables to be used. This facility is helpful when re- | PCRE's internal tables to be used. This facility is helpful when re- |
1660 | using patterns that have been saved after compiling with an external | using patterns that have been saved after compiling with an external |
1661 | set of tables, because the external tables might be at a different | set of tables, because the external tables might be at a different |
1662 | address when pcre_exec() is called. See the pcreprecompile documenta- | address when pcre_exec() is called. See the pcreprecompile documenta- |
1663 | tion for a discussion of saving compiled patterns for later use. | tion for a discussion of saving compiled patterns for later use. |
1664 | ||
1665 | Option bits for pcre_exec() | Option bits for pcre_exec() |
1666 | ||
1667 | The unused bits of the options argument for pcre_exec() must be zero. | The unused bits of the options argument for pcre_exec() must be zero. |
1668 | The only bits that may be set are PCRE_ANCHORED, PCRE_NOTBOL, | The only bits that may be set are PCRE_ANCHORED, PCRE_NEWLINE_xxx, |
1669 | PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK and PCRE_PARTIAL. | PCRE_NOTBOL, PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK and |
1670 | PCRE_PARTIAL. | |
1671 | ||
1672 | PCRE_ANCHORED | PCRE_ANCHORED |
1673 | ||
# | Line 1498 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1676 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1676 | turned out to be anchored by virtue of its contents, it cannot be made | turned out to be anchored by virtue of its contents, it cannot be made |
1677 | unachored at matching time. | unachored at matching time. |
1678 | ||
1679 | PCRE_NEWLINE_CR | |
1680 | PCRE_NEWLINE_LF | |
1681 | PCRE_NEWLINE_CRLF | |
1682 | PCRE_NEWLINE_ANY | |
1683 | ||
1684 | These options override the newline definition that was chosen or | |
1685 | defaulted when the pattern was compiled. For details, see the descrip- | |
1686 | tion of pcre_compile() above. During matching, the newline choice | |
1687 | affects the behaviour of the dot, circumflex, and dollar metacharac- | |
1688 | ters. It may also alter the way the match position is advanced after a | |
1689 | match failure for an unanchored pattern. When PCRE_NEWLINE_CRLF or | |
1690 | PCRE_NEWLINE_ANY is set, and a match attempt fails when the current | |
1691 | position is at a CRLF sequence, the match position is advanced by two | |
1692 | characters instead of one, in other words, to after the CRLF. | |
1693 | ||
1694 | PCRE_NOTBOL | PCRE_NOTBOL |
1695 | ||
1696 | This option specifies that first character of the subject string is not | This option specifies that first character of the subject string is not |
# | Line 1633 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1826 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1826 | after the end of a substring. The first pair, ovector[0] and ovec- | after the end of a substring. The first pair, ovector[0] and ovec- |
1827 | tor[1], identify the portion of the subject string matched by the | tor[1], identify the portion of the subject string matched by the |
1828 | entire pattern. The next pair is used for the first capturing subpat- | entire pattern. The next pair is used for the first capturing subpat- |
1829 | tern, and so on. The value returned by pcre_exec() is the number of | tern, and so on. The value returned by pcre_exec() is one more than the |
1830 | pairs that have been set. If there are no capturing subpatterns, the | highest numbered pair that has been set. For example, if two substrings |
1831 | return value from a successful match is 1, indicating that just the | have been captured, the returned value is 3. If there are no capturing |
1832 | first pair of offsets has been set. | subpatterns, the return value from a successful match is 1, indicating |
1833 | that just the first pair of offsets has been set. | |
Some convenience functions are provided for extracting the captured | ||
substrings as separate strings. These are described in the following | ||
section. | ||
It is possible for an capturing subpattern number n+1 to match some | ||
part of the subject when subpattern n has not been used at all. For | ||
example, if the string "abc" is matched against the pattern (a|(z))(bc) | ||
subpatterns 1 and 3 are matched, but 2 is not. When this happens, both | ||
offset values corresponding to the unused subpattern are set to -1. | ||
1834 | ||
1835 | If a capturing subpattern is matched repeatedly, it is the last portion | If a capturing subpattern is matched repeatedly, it is the last portion |
1836 | of the string that it matched that is returned. | of the string that it matched that is returned. |
1837 | ||
1838 | If the vector is too small to hold all the captured substring offsets, | If the vector is too small to hold all the captured substring offsets, |
1839 | it is used as far as possible (up to two-thirds of its length), and the | it is used as far as possible (up to two-thirds of its length), and the |
1840 | function returns a value of zero. In particular, if the substring off- | function returns a value of zero. In particular, if the substring off- |
1841 | sets are not of interest, pcre_exec() may be called with ovector passed | sets are not of interest, pcre_exec() may be called with ovector passed |
1842 | as NULL and ovecsize as zero. However, if the pattern contains back | as NULL and ovecsize as zero. However, if the pattern contains back |
1843 | references and the ovector is not big enough to remember the related | references and the ovector is not big enough to remember the related |
1844 | substrings, PCRE has to get additional memory for use during matching. | substrings, PCRE has to get additional memory for use during matching. |
1845 | Thus it is usually advisable to supply an ovector. | Thus it is usually advisable to supply an ovector. |
1846 | ||
1847 | Note that pcre_info() can be used to find out how many capturing sub- | The pcre_info() function can be used to find out how many capturing |
1848 | patterns there are in a compiled pattern. The smallest size for ovector | subpatterns there are in a compiled pattern. The smallest size for |
1849 | that will allow for n captured substrings, in addition to the offsets | ovector that will allow for n captured substrings, in addition to the |
1850 | of the substring matched by the whole pattern, is (n+1)*3. | offsets of the substring matched by the whole pattern, is (n+1)*3. |
1851 | ||
1852 | It is possible for capturing subpattern number n+1 to match some part | |
1853 | of the subject when subpattern n has not been used at all. For example, | |
1854 | if the string "abc" is matched against the pattern (a|(z))(bc) the | |
1855 | return from the function is 4, and subpatterns 1 and 3 are matched, but | |
1856 | 2 is not. When this happens, both values in the offset pairs corre- | |
1857 | sponding to unused subpatterns are set to -1. | |
1858 | ||
1859 | Offset values that correspond to unused subpatterns at the end of the | |
1860 | expression are also set to -1. For example, if the string "abc" is | |
1861 | matched against the pattern (abc)(x(yz)?)? subpatterns 2 and 3 are not | |
1862 | matched. The return from the function is 2, because the highest used | |
1863 | capturing subpattern number is 1. However, you can refer to the offsets | |
1864 | for the second and third capturing subpatterns if you wish (assuming | |
1865 | the vector is large enough, of course). | |
1866 | ||
1867 | Some convenience functions are provided for extracting the captured | |
1868 | substrings as separate strings. These are described below. | |
1869 | ||
1870 | Return values from pcre_exec() | Error return values from pcre_exec() |
1871 | ||
1872 | If pcre_exec() fails, it returns a negative number. The following are | If pcre_exec() fails, it returns a negative number. The following are |
1873 | defined in the header file: | defined in the header file: |
1874 | ||
1875 | PCRE_ERROR_NOMATCH (-1) | PCRE_ERROR_NOMATCH (-1) |
# | Line 1676 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1878 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1878 | ||
1879 | PCRE_ERROR_NULL (-2) | PCRE_ERROR_NULL (-2) |
1880 | ||
1881 | Either code or subject was passed as NULL, or ovector was NULL and | Either code or subject was passed as NULL, or ovector was NULL and |
1882 | ovecsize was not zero. | ovecsize was not zero. |
1883 | ||
1884 | PCRE_ERROR_BADOPTION (-3) | PCRE_ERROR_BADOPTION (-3) |
# | Line 1685 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC | Line 1887 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE TRADITIONAL FUNC |
1887 | ||
1888 | PCRE_ERROR_BADMAGIC (-4) | PCRE_ERROR_BADMAGIC (-4) |
1889 | ||
1890 | PCRE stores a 4-byte "magic number" at the start of the compiled code, | PCRE stores a 4-byte "magic number" at the start of the compiled code, |
1891 | to catch the case when it is passed a junk pointer and to detect when a | to catch the case when it is passed a junk pointer and to detect when a |
1892 | pattern that was compiled in an environment of one endianness is run in | pattern that was compiled in an environment of one endianness is run in |
1893 | an environment with the other endianness. This is the error that PCRE | an environment with the other endianness. This is the error that PCRE |
1894 | gives when the magic number is not present. | gives when the magic number is not present. |
1895 | ||
1896 | PCRE_ERROR_UNKNOWN_NODE (-5) | PCRE_ERROR_UNKNOWN_OPCODE (-5) |
1897 | ||
1898 | While running the pattern match, an unknown item was encountered in the | While running the pattern match, an unknown item was encountered in the |
1899 | compiled pattern. This error could be caused by a bug in PCRE or by | compiled pattern. This error could be caused by a bug in PCRE or by |
1900 | overwriting of the compiled pattern. | overwriting of the compiled pattern. |
1901 | ||
1902 | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) |
1903 | ||
1904 | If a pattern contains back references, but the ovector that is passed | If a pattern contains back references, but the ovector that is passed |
1905 | to pcre_exec() is not big enough to remember the referenced substrings, | to pcre_exec() is not big enough to remember the referenced substrings, |
1906 | PCRE gets a block of memory at the start of matching to use for this | PCRE gets a block of memory at the start of matching to use for this |
1907 | purpose. If the call via pcre_malloc() fails, this error is given. The | purpose. If the call via pcre_malloc() fails, this error is given. The |
1908 | memory is automatically freed at the end of matching. | memory is automatically freed at the end of matching. |
1909 | ||
1910 | PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) | PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) |
1911 | ||
1912 | This error is used by the pcre_copy_substring(), pcre_get_substring(), | This error is used by the pcre_copy_substring(), pcre_get_substring(), |
1913 | and pcre_get_substring_list() functions (see below). It is never | and pcre_get_substring_list() functions (see below). It is never |
1914 | returned by pcre_exec(). | returned by pcre_exec(). |
1915 | ||
1916 | PCRE_ERROR_MATCHLIMIT (-8) | PCRE_ERROR_MATCHLIMIT (-8) |
1917 | ||
1918 | The recursion and backtracking limit, as specified by the match_limit | The backtracking limit, as specified by the match_limit field in a |
1919 | field in a pcre_extra structure (or defaulted) was reached. See the | pcre_extra structure (or defaulted) was reached. See the description |
1920 | description above. | above. |
1921 | ||
1922 | PCRE_ERROR_CALLOUT (-9) | PCRE_ERROR_CALLOUT (-9) |
1923 | ||
1924 | This error is never generated by pcre_exec() itself. It is provided for | This error is never generated by pcre_exec() itself. It is provided for |
1925 | use by callout functions that want to yield a distinctive error code. | use by callout functions that want to yield a distinctive error code. |
1926 | See the pcrecallout documentation for details. | See the pcrecallout documentation for details. |
1927 | ||
1928 | PCRE_ERROR_BADUTF8 (-10) | PCRE_ERROR_BADUTF8 (-10) |
1929 | ||
1930 | A string that contains an invalid UTF-8 byte sequence was passed as a | A string that contains an invalid UTF-8 byte sequence was passed as a |
1931 | subject. | subject. |
1932 | ||
1933 | PCRE_ERROR_BADUTF8_OFFSET (-11) | PCRE_ERROR_BADUTF8_OFFSET (-11) |
1934 | ||
1935 | The UTF-8 byte sequence that was passed as a subject was valid, but the | The UTF-8 byte sequence that was passed as a subject was valid, but the |
1936 | value of startoffset did not point to the beginning of a UTF-8 charac- | value of startoffset did not point to the beginning of a UTF-8 charac- |
1937 | ter. | ter. |
1938 | ||
1939 | PCRE_ERROR_PARTIAL (-12) | PCRE_ERROR_PARTIAL (-12) |
1940 | ||
1941 | The subject string did not match, but it did match partially. See the | The subject string did not match, but it did match partially. See the |
1942 | pcrepartial documentation for details of partial matching. | pcrepartial documentation for details of partial matching. |
1943 | ||
1944 | PCRE_ERROR_BADPARTIAL (-13) | PCRE_ERROR_BADPARTIAL (-13) |
1945 | ||
1946 | The PCRE_PARTIAL option was used with a compiled pattern containing | The PCRE_PARTIAL option was used with a compiled pattern containing |
1947 | items that are not supported for partial matching. See the pcrepartial | items that are not supported for partial matching. See the pcrepartial |
1948 | documentation for details of partial matching. | documentation for details of partial matching. |
1949 | ||
1950 | PCRE_ERROR_INTERNAL (-14) | PCRE_ERROR_INTERNAL (-14) |
1951 | ||
1952 | An unexpected internal error has occurred. This error could be caused | An unexpected internal error has occurred. This error could be caused |
1953 | by a bug in PCRE or by overwriting of the compiled pattern. | by a bug in PCRE or by overwriting of the compiled pattern. |
1954 | ||
1955 | PCRE_ERROR_BADCOUNT (-15) | PCRE_ERROR_BADCOUNT (-15) |
1956 | ||
1957 | This error is given if the value of the ovecsize argument is negative. | This error is given if the value of the ovecsize argument is negative. |
1958 | ||
1959 | PCRE_ERROR_RECURSIONLIMIT (-21) | |
1960 | ||
1961 | The internal recursion limit, as specified by the match_limit_recursion | |
1962 | field in a pcre_extra structure (or defaulted) was reached. See the | |
1963 | description above. | |
1964 | ||
1965 | PCRE_ERROR_NULLWSLIMIT (-22) | |
1966 | ||
1967 | When a group that can match an empty substring is repeated with an | |
1968 | unbounded upper limit, the subject position at the start of the group | |
1969 | must be remembered, so that a test for an empty string can be made when | |
1970 | the end of the group is reached. Some workspace is required for this; | |
1971 | if it runs out, this error is given. | |
1972 | ||
1973 | PCRE_ERROR_BADNEWLINE (-23) | |
1974 | ||
1975 | An invalid combination of PCRE_NEWLINE_xxx options was given. | |
1976 | ||
1977 | Error numbers -16 to -20 are not used by pcre_exec(). | |
1978 | ||
1979 | ||
1980 | EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER | EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER |
# | Line 1768 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER | Line 1990 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER |
1990 | int pcre_get_substring_list(const char *subject, | int pcre_get_substring_list(const char *subject, |
1991 | int *ovector, int stringcount, const char ***listptr); | int *ovector, int stringcount, const char ***listptr); |
1992 | ||
1993 | Captured substrings can be accessed directly by using the offsets | Captured substrings can be accessed directly by using the offsets |
1994 | returned by pcre_exec() in ovector. For convenience, the functions | returned by pcre_exec() in ovector. For convenience, the functions |
1995 | pcre_copy_substring(), pcre_get_substring(), and pcre_get_sub- | pcre_copy_substring(), pcre_get_substring(), and pcre_get_sub- |
1996 | string_list() are provided for extracting captured substrings as new, | string_list() are provided for extracting captured substrings as new, |
1997 | separate, zero-terminated strings. These functions identify substrings | separate, zero-terminated strings. These functions identify substrings |
1998 | by number. The next section describes functions for extracting named | by number. The next section describes functions for extracting named |
1999 | substrings. A substring that contains a binary zero is correctly | substrings. |
2000 | extracted and has a further zero added on the end, but the result is | |
2001 | not, of course, a C string. | A substring that contains a binary zero is correctly extracted and has |
2002 | a further zero added on the end, but the result is not, of course, a C | |
2003 | string. However, you can process such a string by referring to the | |
2004 | length that is returned by pcre_copy_substring() and pcre_get_sub- | |
2005 | string(). Unfortunately, the interface to pcre_get_substring_list() is | |
2006 | not adequate for handling strings containing binary zeros, because the | |
2007 | end of the final string is not independently indicated. | |
2008 | ||
2009 | The first three arguments are the same for all three of these func- | The first three arguments are the same for all three of these func- |
2010 | tions: subject is the subject string that has just been successfully | tions: subject is the subject string that has just been successfully |
2011 | matched, ovector is a pointer to the vector of integer offsets that was | matched, ovector is a pointer to the vector of integer offsets that was |
2012 | passed to pcre_exec(), and stringcount is the number of substrings that | passed to pcre_exec(), and stringcount is the number of substrings that |
2013 | were captured by the match, including the substring that matched the | were captured by the match, including the substring that matched the |
2014 | entire regular expression. This is the value returned by pcre_exec() if | entire regular expression. This is the value returned by pcre_exec() if |
2015 | it is greater than zero. If pcre_exec() returned zero, indicating that | it is greater than zero. If pcre_exec() returned zero, indicating that |
2016 | it ran out of space in ovector, the value passed as stringcount should | it ran out of space in ovector, the value passed as stringcount should |
2017 | be the number of elements in the vector divided by three. | be the number of elements in the vector divided by three. |
2018 | ||
2019 | The functions pcre_copy_substring() and pcre_get_substring() extract a | The functions pcre_copy_substring() and pcre_get_substring() extract a |
2020 | single substring, whose number is given as stringnumber. A value of | single substring, whose number is given as stringnumber. A value of |
2021 | zero extracts the substring that matched the entire pattern, whereas | zero extracts the substring that matched the entire pattern, whereas |
2022 | higher values extract the captured substrings. For pcre_copy_sub- | higher values extract the captured substrings. For pcre_copy_sub- |
2023 | string(), the string is placed in buffer, whose length is given by | string(), the string is placed in buffer, whose length is given by |
2024 | buffersize, while for pcre_get_substring() a new block of memory is | buffersize, while for pcre_get_substring() a new block of memory is |
2025 | obtained via pcre_malloc, and its address is returned via stringptr. | obtained via pcre_malloc, and its address is returned via stringptr. |
2026 | The yield of the function is the length of the string, not including | The yield of the function is the length of the string, not including |
2027 | the terminating zero, or one of | the terminating zero, or one of these error codes: |
2028 | ||
2029 | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) |
2030 | ||
2031 | The buffer was too small for pcre_copy_substring(), or the attempt to | The buffer was too small for pcre_copy_substring(), or the attempt to |
2032 | get memory failed for pcre_get_substring(). | get memory failed for pcre_get_substring(). |
2033 | ||
2034 | PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) | PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) |
2035 | ||
2036 | There is no substring whose number is stringnumber. | There is no substring whose number is stringnumber. |
2037 | ||
2038 | The pcre_get_substring_list() function extracts all available sub- | The pcre_get_substring_list() function extracts all available sub- |
2039 | strings and builds a list of pointers to them. All this is done in a | strings and builds a list of pointers to them. All this is done in a |
2040 | single block of memory that is obtained via pcre_malloc. The address of | single block of memory that is obtained via pcre_malloc. The address of |
2041 | the memory block is returned via listptr, which is also the start of | the memory block is returned via listptr, which is also the start of |
2042 | the list of string pointers. The end of the list is marked by a NULL | the list of string pointers. The end of the list is marked by a NULL |
2043 | pointer. The yield of the function is zero if all went well, or | pointer. The yield of the function is zero if all went well, or the |
2044 | error code | |
2045 | ||
2046 | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY (-6) |
2047 | ||
# | Line 1831 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER | Line 2060 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NUMBER |
2060 | tively. They do nothing more than call the function pointed to by | tively. They do nothing more than call the function pointed to by |
2061 | pcre_free, which of course could be called directly from a C program. | pcre_free, which of course could be called directly from a C program. |
2062 | However, PCRE is used in some situations where it is linked via a spe- | However, PCRE is used in some situations where it is linked via a spe- |
2063 | cial interface to another programming language which cannot use | cial interface to another programming language that cannot use |
2064 | pcre_free directly; it is for these cases that the functions are pro- | pcre_free directly; it is for these cases that the functions are pro- |
2065 | vided. | vided. |
2066 | ||
# | Line 1854 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NAME | Line 2083 EXTRACTING CAPTURED SUBSTRINGS BY NAME |
2083 | To extract a substring by name, you first have to find associated num- | To extract a substring by name, you first have to find associated num- |
2084 | ber. For example, for this pattern | ber. For example, for this pattern |
2085 | ||
2086 | (a+)b(?P<xxx>\d+)... | (a+)b(?<xxx>\d+)... |
2087 | ||
2088 | the number of the subpattern called "xxx" is 2. You can find the number | the number of the subpattern called "xxx" is 2. If the name is known to |
2089 | from the name by calling pcre_get_stringnumber(). The first argument is | be unique (PCRE_DUPNAMES was not set), you can find the number from the |
2090 | the compiled pattern, and the second is the name. The yield of the | name by calling pcre_get_stringnumber(). The first argument is the com- |
2091 | function is the subpattern number, or PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) if | piled pattern, and the second is the name. The yield of the function is |
2092 | there is no subpattern of that name. | the subpattern number, or PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) if there is no |
2093 | subpattern of that name. | |
2094 | ||
2095 | Given the number, you can extract the substring directly, or use one of | Given the number, you can extract the substring directly, or use one of |
2096 | the functions described in the previous section. For convenience, there | the functions described in the previous section. For convenience, there |
2097 | are also two functions that do the whole job. | are also two functions that do the whole job. |
2098 | ||
2099 | Most of the arguments of pcre_copy_named_substring() and | Most of the arguments of pcre_copy_named_substring() and |
2100 | pcre_get_named_substring() are the same as those for the similarly | pcre_get_named_substring() are the same as those for the similarly |
2101 | named functions that extract by number. As these are described in the | named functions that extract by number. As these are described in the |
2102 | previous section, they are not re-described here. There are just two | previous section, they are not re-described here. There are just two |
2103 | differences: | differences: |
2104 | ||
2105 | First, instead of a substring number, a substring name is given. Sec- | First, instead of a substring number, a substring name is given. Sec- |
2106 | ond, there is an extra argument, given at the start, which is a pointer | ond, there is an extra argument, given at the start, which is a pointer |
2107 | to the compiled pattern. This is needed in order to gain access to the | to the compiled pattern. This is needed in order to gain access to the |
2108 | name-to-number translation table. | name-to-number translation table. |
2109 | ||
2110 | These functions call pcre_get_stringnumber(), and if it succeeds, they | These functions call pcre_get_stringnumber(), and if it succeeds, they |
2111 | then call pcre_copy_substring() or pcre_get_substring(), as appropri- | then call pcre_copy_substring() or pcre_get_substring(), as appropri- |
2112 | ate. | ate. |
2113 | ||
2114 | ||
2115 | DUPLICATE SUBPATTERN NAMES | |
2116 | ||
2117 | int pcre_get_stringtable_entries(const pcre *code, | |
2118 | const char *name, char **first, char **last); | |
2119 | ||
2120 | When a pattern is compiled with the PCRE_DUPNAMES option, names for | |
2121 | subpatterns are not required to be unique. Normally, patterns with | |
2122 | duplicate names are such that in any one match, only one of the named | |
2123 | subpatterns participates. An example is shown in the pcrepattern docu- | |
2124 | mentation. When duplicates are present, pcre_copy_named_substring() and | |
2125 | pcre_get_named_substring() return the first substring corresponding to | |
2126 | the given name that is set. If none are set, an empty string is | |
2127 | returned. The pcre_get_stringnumber() function returns one of the num- | |
2128 | bers that are associated with the name, but it is not defined which it | |
2129 | is. | |
2130 | ||
2131 | If you want to get full details of all captured substrings for a given | |
2132 | name, you must use the pcre_get_stringtable_entries() function. The | |
2133 | first argument is the compiled pattern, and the second is the name. The | |
2134 | third and fourth are pointers to variables which are updated by the | |
2135 | function. After it has run, they point to the first and last entries in | |
2136 | the name-to-number table for the given name. The function itself | |
2137 | returns the length of each entry, or PCRE_ERROR_NOSUBSTRING (-7) if | |
2138 | there are none. The format of the table is described above in the sec- | |
2139 | tion entitled Information about a pattern. Given all the relevant | |
2140 | entries for the name, you can extract each of their numbers, and hence | |
2141 | the captured data, if any. | |
2142 | ||
2143 | ||
2144 | FINDING ALL POSSIBLE MATCHES | FINDING ALL POSSIBLE MATCHES |
2145 | ||
2146 | The traditional matching function uses a similar algorithm to Perl, | The traditional matching function uses a similar algorithm to Perl, |
# | Line 1908 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC | Line 2167 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC |
2167 | int *workspace, int wscount); | int *workspace, int wscount); |
2168 | ||
2169 | The function pcre_dfa_exec() is called to match a subject string | The function pcre_dfa_exec() is called to match a subject string |
2170 | against a compiled pattern, using a "DFA" matching algorithm. This has | against a compiled pattern, using a matching algorithm that scans the |
2171 | different characteristics to the normal algorithm, and is not compati- | subject string just once, and does not backtrack. This has different |
2172 | ble with Perl. Some of the features of PCRE patterns are not supported. | characteristics to the normal algorithm, and is not compatible with |
2173 | Nevertheless, there are times when this kind of matching can be useful. | Perl. Some of the features of PCRE patterns are not supported. Never- |
2174 | For a discussion of the two matching algorithms, see the pcrematching | theless, there are times when this kind of matching can be useful. For |
2175 | documentation. | a discussion of the two matching algorithms, see the pcrematching docu- |
2176 | mentation. | |
2177 | ||
2178 | The arguments for the pcre_dfa_exec() function are the same as for | The arguments for the pcre_dfa_exec() function are the same as for |
2179 | pcre_exec(), plus two extras. The ovector argument is used in a differ- | pcre_exec(), plus two extras. The ovector argument is used in a differ- |
2180 | ent way, and this is described below. The other common arguments are | ent way, and this is described below. The other common arguments are |
2181 | used in the same way as for pcre_exec(), so their description is not | used in the same way as for pcre_exec(), so their description is not |
2182 | repeated here. | repeated here. |
2183 | ||
2184 | The two additional arguments provide workspace for the function. The | The two additional arguments provide workspace for the function. The |
2185 | workspace vector should contain at least 20 elements. It is used for | workspace vector should contain at least 20 elements. It is used for |
2186 | keeping track of multiple paths through the pattern tree. More | keeping track of multiple paths through the pattern tree. More |
2187 | workspace will be needed for patterns and subjects where there are a | workspace will be needed for patterns and subjects where there are a |
2188 | lot of possible matches. | lot of potential matches. |
2189 | ||
2190 | Here is an example of a simple call to pcre_exec(): | Here is an example of a simple call to pcre_dfa_exec(): |
2191 | ||
2192 | int rc; | int rc; |
2193 | int ovector[10]; | int ovector[10]; |
2194 | int wspace[20]; | int wspace[20]; |
2195 | rc = pcre_exec( | rc = pcre_dfa_exec( |
2196 | re, /* result of pcre_compile() */ | re, /* result of pcre_compile() */ |
2197 | NULL, /* we didn't study the pattern */ | NULL, /* we didn't study the pattern */ |
2198 | "some string", /* the subject string */ | "some string", /* the subject string */ |
# | Line 1946 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC | Line 2206 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC |
2206 | ||
2207 | Option bits for pcre_dfa_exec() | Option bits for pcre_dfa_exec() |
2208 | ||
2209 | The unused bits of the options argument for pcre_dfa_exec() must be | The unused bits of the options argument for pcre_dfa_exec() must be |
2210 | zero. The only bits that may be set are PCRE_ANCHORED, PCRE_NOTBOL, | zero. The only bits that may be set are PCRE_ANCHORED, PCRE_NEW- |
2211 | PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK, PCRE_PARTIAL, | LINE_xxx, PCRE_NOTBOL, PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, PCRE_NO_UTF8_CHECK, |
2212 | PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST, and PCRE_DFA_RESTART. All but the last three of | PCRE_PARTIAL, PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST, and PCRE_DFA_RESTART. All but the last |
2213 | these are the same as for pcre_exec(), so their description is not | three of these are the same as for pcre_exec(), so their description is |
2214 | repeated here. | not repeated here. |
2215 | ||
2216 | PCRE_PARTIAL | PCRE_PARTIAL |
2217 | ||
2218 | This has the same general effect as it does for pcre_exec(), but the | This has the same general effect as it does for pcre_exec(), but the |
2219 | details are slightly different. When PCRE_PARTIAL is set for | details are slightly different. When PCRE_PARTIAL is set for |
2220 | pcre_dfa_exec(), the return code PCRE_ERROR_NOMATCH is converted into | pcre_dfa_exec(), the return code PCRE_ERROR_NOMATCH is converted into |
2221 | PCRE_ERROR_PARTIAL if the end of the subject is reached, there have | PCRE_ERROR_PARTIAL if the end of the subject is reached, there have |
2222 | been no complete matches, but there is still at least one matching pos- | been no complete matches, but there is still at least one matching pos- |
2223 | sibility. The portion of the string that provided the partial match is | sibility. The portion of the string that provided the partial match is |
2224 | set as the first matching string. | set as the first matching string. |
2225 | ||
2226 | PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST | PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST |
2227 | ||
2228 | Setting the PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST option causes the matching algorithm to | Setting the PCRE_DFA_SHORTEST option causes the matching algorithm to |
2229 | stop as soon as it has found one match. Because of the way the DFA | stop as soon as it has found one match. Because of the way the alterna- |
2230 | algorithm works, this is necessarily the shortest possible match at the | tive algorithm works, this is necessarily the shortest possible match |
2231 | first possible matching point in the subject string. | at the first possible matching point in the subject string. |
2232 | ||
2233 | PCRE_DFA_RESTART | PCRE_DFA_RESTART |
2234 | ||
2235 | When pcre_dfa_exec() is called with the PCRE_PARTIAL option, and | When pcre_dfa_exec() is called with the PCRE_PARTIAL option, and |
2236 | returns a partial match, it is possible to call it again, with addi- | returns a partial match, it is possible to call it again, with addi- |
2237 | tional subject characters, and have it continue with the same match. | tional subject characters, and have it continue with the same match. |
2238 | The PCRE_DFA_RESTART option requests this action; when it is set, the | The PCRE_DFA_RESTART option requests this action; when it is set, the |
2239 | workspace and wscount options must reference the same vector as before | workspace and wscount options must reference the same vector as before |
2240 | because data about the match so far is left in them after a partial | because data about the match so far is left in them after a partial |
2241 | match. There is more discussion of this facility in the pcrepartial | match. There is more discussion of this facility in the pcrepartial |
2242 | documentation. | documentation. |
2243 | ||
2244 | Successful returns from pcre_dfa_exec() | Successful returns from pcre_dfa_exec() |
2245 | ||
2246 | When pcre_dfa_exec() succeeds, it may have matched more than one sub- | When pcre_dfa_exec() succeeds, it may have matched more than one sub- |
2247 | string in the subject. Note, however, that all the matches from one run | string in the subject. Note, however, that all the matches from one run |
2248 | of the function start at the same point in the subject. The shorter | of the function start at the same point in the subject. The shorter |
2249 | matches are all initial substrings of the longer matches. For example, | matches are all initial substrings of the longer matches. For example, |
2250 | if the pattern | if the pattern |
2251 | ||
2252 | <.*> | <.*> |
# | Line 2001 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC | Line 2261 MATCHING A PATTERN: THE ALTERNATIVE FUNC |
2261 | <something> <something else> | <something> <something else> |
2262 | <something> <something else> <something further> | <something> <something else> <something further> |
2263 | ||
2264 | On success, the yield of the function is a number greater than zero, | On success, the yield of the function is a number greater than zero, |
2265 | which is the number of matched substrings. The substrings themselves | which is the number of matched substrings. The substrings themselves |
2266 | are returned in ovector. Each string uses two elements; the first is | are returned in ovector. Each string uses two elements; the first is |
2267 | the offset to the start, and the second is the offset to the end. All | the offset to the start, and the second is the offset to the end. In |
2268 | the strings have the same start offset. (Space could have been saved by | fact, all the strings have the same start offset. (Space could have |
2269 | giving this only once, but it was decided to retain some compatibility | been saved by giving this only once, but it was decided to retain some |
2270 | with the way pcre_exec() returns data, even though the meaning of the | compatibility with the way pcre_exec() returns data, even though the |
2271 | strings is different.) | meaning of the strings is different.) |
2272 | ||
2273 | The strings are returned in reverse order of length; that is, the long- | The strings are returned in reverse order of length; that is, the long- |
2274 | est matching string is given first. If there were too many matches to | est matching string is given first. If there were too many matches to |
2275 | fit into ovector, the yield of the function is zero, and the vector is | fit into ovector, the yield of the function is zero, and the vector is |
2276 | filled with the longest matches. | filled with the longest matches. |
2277 | ||
2278 | Error returns from pcre_dfa_exec() | Error returns from pcre_dfa_exec() |
2279 | ||
2280 | The pcre_dfa_exec() function returns a negative number when it fails. | The pcre_dfa_exec() function returns a negative number when it fails. |
2281 | Many of the errors are the same as for pcre_exec(), and these are | Many of the errors are the same as for pcre_exec(), and these are |
2282 | described above. There are in addition the following errors that are | described above. There are in addition the following errors that are |
2283 | specific to pcre_dfa_exec(): | specific to pcre_dfa_exec(): |
2284 | ||
2285 | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UITEM (-16) | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UITEM (-16) |
2286 | ||
2287 | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() encounters an item in the pat- | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() encounters an item in the pat- |
2288 | tern that it does not support, for instance, the use of \C or a back | tern that it does not support, for instance, the use of \C or a back |
2289 | reference. | reference. |
2290 | ||
2291 | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UCOND (-17) | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UCOND (-17) |
2292 | ||
2293 | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() encounters a condition item in | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() encounters a condition item |
2294 | a pattern that uses a back reference for the condition. This is not | that uses a back reference for the condition, or a test for recursion |
2295 | supported. | in a specific group. These are not supported. |
2296 | ||
2297 | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UMLIMIT (-18) | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_UMLIMIT (-18) |
2298 | ||
2299 | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() is called with an extra block | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() is called with an extra block |
2300 | that contains a setting of the match_limit field. This is not supported | that contains a setting of the match_limit field. This is not supported |
2301 | (it is meaningless). | (it is meaningless). |
2302 | ||
2303 | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_WSSIZE (-19) | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_WSSIZE (-19) |
2304 | ||
2305 | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() runs out of space in the | This return is given if pcre_dfa_exec() runs out of space in the |
2306 | workspace vector. | workspace vector. |
2307 | ||
2308 | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_RECURSE (-20) | PCRE_ERROR_DFA_RECURSE (-20) |
2309 | ||
2310 | When a recursive subpattern is processed, the matching function calls | When a recursive subpattern is processed, the matching function calls |
2311 | itself recursively, using private vectors for ovector and workspace. | itself recursively, using private vectors for ovector and workspace. |
2312 | This error is given if the output vector is not large enough. This | This error is given if the output vector is not large enough. This |
2313 | should be extremely rare, as a vector of size 1000 is used. | should be extremely rare, as a vector of size 1000 is used. |
2314 | ||
2315 | Last updated: 16 May 2005 | |
2316 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | SEE ALSO |
2317 | ||
2318 | pcrebuild(3), pcrecallout(3), pcrecpp(3)(3), pcrematching(3), pcrepar- | |
2319 | tial(3), pcreposix(3), pcreprecompile(3), pcresample(3), pcrestack(3). | |
2320 | ||
2321 | Last updated: 30 November 2006 | |
2322 | Copyright (c) 1997-2006 University of Cambridge. | |
2323 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
2324 | ||
2325 | ||
# | Line 2226 NAME | Line 2492 NAME |
2492 | DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL | DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL |
2493 | ||
2494 | This document describes the differences in the ways that PCRE and Perl | This document describes the differences in the ways that PCRE and Perl |
2495 | handle regular expressions. The differences described here are with | handle regular expressions. The differences described here are mainly |
2496 | respect to Perl 5.8. | with respect to Perl 5.8, though PCRE version 7.0 contains some fea- |
2497 | tures that are expected to be in the forthcoming Perl 5.10. | |
2498 | 1. PCRE does not have full UTF-8 support. Details of what it does have | |
2499 | are given in the section on UTF-8 support in the main pcre page. | 1. PCRE has only a subset of Perl's UTF-8 and Unicode support. Details |
2500 | of what it does have are given in the section on UTF-8 support in the | |
2501 | main pcre page. | |
2502 | ||
2503 | 2. PCRE does not allow repeat quantifiers on lookahead assertions. Perl | 2. PCRE does not allow repeat quantifiers on lookahead assertions. Perl |
2504 | permits them, but they do not mean what you might think. For example, | permits them, but they do not mean what you might think. For example, |
# | Line 2257 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL | Line 2525 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL |
2525 | 6. The Perl escape sequences \p, \P, and \X are supported only if PCRE | 6. The Perl escape sequences \p, \P, and \X are supported only if PCRE |
2526 | is built with Unicode character property support. The properties that | is built with Unicode character property support. The properties that |
2527 | can be tested with \p and \P are limited to the general category prop- | can be tested with \p and \P are limited to the general category prop- |
2528 | erties such as Lu and Nd. | erties such as Lu and Nd, script names such as Greek or Han, and the |
2529 | derived properties Any and L&. | |
2530 | ||
2531 | 7. PCRE does support the \Q...\E escape for quoting substrings. Charac- | 7. PCRE does support the \Q...\E escape for quoting substrings. Charac- |
2532 | ters in between are treated as literals. This is slightly different | ters in between are treated as literals. This is slightly different |
2533 | from Perl in that $ and @ are also handled as literals inside the | from Perl in that $ and @ are also handled as literals inside the |
2534 | quotes. In Perl, they cause variable interpolation (but of course PCRE | quotes. In Perl, they cause variable interpolation (but of course PCRE |
2535 | does not have variables). Note the following examples: | does not have variables). Note the following examples: |
2536 | ||
2537 | Pattern PCRE matches Perl matches | Pattern PCRE matches Perl matches |
# | Line 2272 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL | Line 2541 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL |
2541 | \Qabc\$xyz\E abc\$xyz abc\$xyz | \Qabc\$xyz\E abc\$xyz abc\$xyz |
2542 | \Qabc\E\$\Qxyz\E abc$xyz abc$xyz | \Qabc\E\$\Qxyz\E abc$xyz abc$xyz |
2543 | ||
2544 | The \Q...\E sequence is recognized both inside and outside character | The \Q...\E sequence is recognized both inside and outside character |
2545 | classes. | classes. |
2546 | ||
2547 | 8. Fairly obviously, PCRE does not support the (?{code}) and (?p{code}) | 8. Fairly obviously, PCRE does not support the (?{code}) and (??{code}) |
2548 | constructions. However, there is support for recursive patterns using | constructions. However, there is support for recursive patterns. This |
2549 | the non-Perl items (?R), (?number), and (?P>name). Also, the PCRE | is not available in Perl 5.8, but will be in Perl 5.10. Also, the PCRE |
2550 | "callout" feature allows an external function to be called during pat- | "callout" feature allows an external function to be called during pat- |
2551 | tern matching. See the pcrecallout documentation for details. | tern matching. See the pcrecallout documentation for details. |
2552 | ||
2553 | 9. There are some differences that are concerned with the settings of | 9. Subpatterns that are called recursively or as "subroutines" are |
2554 | captured strings when part of a pattern is repeated. For example, | always treated as atomic groups in PCRE. This is like Python, but |
2555 | matching "aba" against the pattern /^(a(b)?)+$/ in Perl leaves $2 | unlike Perl. |
2556 | ||
2557 | 10. There are some differences that are concerned with the settings of | |
2558 | captured strings when part of a pattern is repeated. For example, | |
2559 | matching "aba" against the pattern /^(a(b)?)+$/ in Perl leaves $2 | |
2560 | unset, but in PCRE it is set to "b". | unset, but in PCRE it is set to "b". |
2561 | ||
2562 | 10. PCRE provides some extensions to the Perl regular expression facil- | 11. PCRE provides some extensions to the Perl regular expression facil- |
2563 | ities: | ities. Perl 5.10 will include new features that are not in earlier |
2564 | versions, some of which (such as named parentheses) have been in PCRE | |
2565 | for some time. This list is with respect to Perl 5.10: | |
2566 | ||
2567 | (a) Although lookbehind assertions must match fixed length strings, | (a) Although lookbehind assertions must match fixed length strings, |
2568 | each alternative branch of a lookbehind assertion can match a different | each alternative branch of a lookbehind assertion can match a different |
2569 | length of string. Perl requires them all to have the same length. | length of string. Perl requires them all to have the same length. |
2570 | ||
2571 | (b) If PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY is set and PCRE_MULTILINE is not set, the $ | (b) If PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY is set and PCRE_MULTILINE is not set, the $ |
2572 | meta-character matches only at the very end of the string. | meta-character matches only at the very end of the string. |
2573 | ||
2574 | (c) If PCRE_EXTRA is set, a backslash followed by a letter with no spe- | (c) If PCRE_EXTRA is set, a backslash followed by a letter with no spe- |
2575 | cial meaning is faulted. | cial meaning is faulted. Otherwise, like Perl, the backslash is |
2576 | ignored. (Perl can be made to issue a warning.) | |
2577 | ||
2578 | (d) If PCRE_UNGREEDY is set, the greediness of the repetition quanti- | (d) If PCRE_UNGREEDY is set, the greediness of the repetition quanti- |
2579 | fiers is inverted, that is, by default they are not greedy, but if fol- | fiers is inverted, that is, by default they are not greedy, but if fol- |
# | Line 2309 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL | Line 2585 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PCRE AND PERL |
2585 | (f) The PCRE_NOTBOL, PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, and PCRE_NO_AUTO_CAP- | (f) The PCRE_NOTBOL, PCRE_NOTEOL, PCRE_NOTEMPTY, and PCRE_NO_AUTO_CAP- |
2586 | TURE options for pcre_exec() have no Perl equivalents. | TURE options for pcre_exec() have no Perl equivalents. |
2587 | ||
2588 | (g) The (?R), (?number), and (?P>name) constructs allows for recursive | (g) The callout facility is PCRE-specific. |
pattern matching (Perl can do this using the (?p{code}) construct, | ||
which PCRE cannot support.) | ||
(h) PCRE supports named capturing substrings, using the Python syntax. | ||
(i) PCRE supports the possessive quantifier "++" syntax, taken from | ||
Sun's Java package. | ||
(j) The (R) condition, for testing recursion, is a PCRE extension. | ||
(k) The callout facility is PCRE-specific. | ||
2589 | ||
2590 | (l) The partial matching facility is PCRE-specific. | (h) The partial matching facility is PCRE-specific. |
2591 | ||
2592 | (m) Patterns compiled by PCRE can be saved and re-used at a later time, | (i) Patterns compiled by PCRE can be saved and re-used at a later time, |
2593 | even on different hosts that have the other endianness. | even on different hosts that have the other endianness. |
2594 | ||
2595 | (n) The alternative matching function (pcre_dfa_exec()) matches in a | (j) The alternative matching function (pcre_dfa_exec()) matches in a |
2596 | different way and is not Perl-compatible. | different way and is not Perl-compatible. |
2597 | ||
2598 | Last updated: 28 February 2005 | Last updated: 28 November 2006 |
2599 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | Copyright (c) 1997-2006 University of Cambridge. |
2600 | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
2601 | ||
2602 | ||
# | Line 2367 PCRE REGULAR EXPRESSION DETAILS | Line 2632 PCRE REGULAR EXPRESSION DETAILS |
2632 | function, and how it differs from the normal function, are discussed in | function, and how it differs from the normal function, are discussed in |
2633 | the pcrematching page. | the pcrematching page. |
2634 | ||
2635 | ||
2636 | CHARACTERS AND METACHARACTERS | |
2637 | ||
2638 | A regular expression is a pattern that is matched against a subject | A regular expression is a pattern that is matched against a subject |
2639 | string from left to right. Most characters stand for themselves in a | string from left to right. Most characters stand for themselves in a |
2640 | pattern, and match the corresponding characters in the subject. As a | pattern, and match the corresponding characters in the subject. As a |
# | Line 2391 PCRE REGULAR EXPRESSION DETAILS | Line 2659 PCRE REGULAR EXPRESSION DETAILS |
2659 | ||
2660 | There are two different sets of metacharacters: those that are recog- | There are two different sets of metacharacters: those that are recog- |
2661 | nized anywhere in the pattern except within square brackets, and those | nized anywhere in the pattern except within square brackets, and those |
2662 | that are recognized in square brackets. Outside square brackets, the | that are recognized within square brackets. Outside square brackets, |
2663 | metacharacters are as follows: | the metacharacters are as follows: |
2664 | ||
2665 | \ general escape character with several uses | \ general escape character with several uses |
2666 | ^ assert start of string (or line, in multiline mode) | ^ assert start of string (or line, in multiline mode) |
# | Line 2439 BACKSLASH | Line 2707 BACKSLASH |
2707 | ||
2708 | If a pattern is compiled with the PCRE_EXTENDED option, whitespace in | If a pattern is compiled with the PCRE_EXTENDED option, whitespace in |
2709 | the pattern (other than in a character class) and characters between a | the pattern (other than in a character class) and characters between a |
2710 | # outside a character class and the next newline character are ignored. | # outside a character class and the next newline are ignored. An escap- |
2711 | An escaping backslash can be used to include a whitespace or # charac- | ing backslash can be used to include a whitespace or # character as |
2712 | ter as part of the pattern. | part of the pattern. |
2713 | ||
2714 | If you want to remove the special meaning from a sequence of charac- | If you want to remove the special meaning from a sequence of charac- |
2715 | ters, you can do so by putting them between \Q and \E. This is differ- | ters, you can do so by putting them between \Q and \E. This is differ- |
# | Line 2477 BACKSLASH | Line 2745 BACKSLASH |
2745 | \t tab (hex 09) | \t tab (hex 09) |
2746 | \ddd character with octal code ddd, or backreference | \ddd character with octal code ddd, or backreference |
2747 | \xhh character with hex code hh | \xhh character with hex code hh |
2748 | \x{hhh..} character with hex code hhh... (UTF-8 mode only) | \x{hhh..} character with hex code hhh.. |
2749 | ||
2750 | The precise effect of \cx is as follows: if x is a lower case letter, | The precise effect of \cx is as follows: if x is a lower case letter, |
2751 | it is converted to upper case. Then bit 6 of the character (hex 40) is | it is converted to upper case. Then bit 6 of the character (hex 40) is |
# | Line 2485 BACKSLASH | Line 2753 BACKSLASH |
2753 | becomes hex 7B. | becomes hex 7B. |
2754 | ||
2755 | After \x, from zero to two hexadecimal digits are read (letters can be | After \x, from zero to two hexadecimal digits are read (letters can be |
2756 | in upper or lower case). In UTF-8 mode, any number of hexadecimal dig- | in upper or lower case). Any number of hexadecimal digits may appear |
2757 | its may appear between \x{ and }, but the value of the character code | between \x{ and }, but the value of the character code must be less |
2758 | must be less than 2**31 (that is, the maximum hexadecimal value is | than 256 in non-UTF-8 mode, and less than 2**31 in UTF-8 mode (that is, |
2759 | 7FFFFFFF). If characters other than hexadecimal digits appear between | the maximum hexadecimal value is 7FFFFFFF). If characters other than |
2760 | \x{ and }, or if there is no terminating }, this form of escape is not | hexadecimal digits appear between \x{ and }, or if there is no termi- |
2761 | recognized. Instead, the initial \x will be interpreted as a basic | nating }, this form of escape is not recognized. Instead, the initial |
2762 | hexadecimal escape, with no following digits, giving a character whose | \x will be interpreted as a basic hexadecimal escape, with no following |
2763 | value is zero. | digits, giving a character whose value is zero. |
2764 | ||
2765 | Characters whose value is less than 256 can be defined by either of the | Characters whose value is less than 256 can be defined by either of the |
2766 | two syntaxes for \x when PCRE is in UTF-8 mode. There is no difference | two syntaxes for \x. There is no difference in the way they are han- |
2767 | in the way they are handled. For example, \xdc is exactly the same as | dled. For example, \xdc is exactly the same as \x{dc}. |
2768 | \x{dc}. | |
2769 | After \0 up to two further octal digits are read. If there are fewer | |
2770 | After \0 up to two further octal digits are read. In both cases, if | than two digits, just those that are present are used. Thus the |
2771 | there are fewer than two digits, just those that are present are used. | sequence \0\x\07 specifies two binary zeros followed by a BEL character |
2772 | Thus the sequence \0\x\07 specifies two binary zeros followed by a BEL | (code value 7). Make sure you supply two digits after the initial zero |
2773 | character (code value 7). Make sure you supply two digits after the | if the pattern character that follows is itself an octal digit. |
initial zero if the pattern character that follows is itself an octal | ||
digit. | ||
2774 | ||
2775 | The handling of a backslash followed by a digit other than 0 is compli- | The handling of a backslash followed by a digit other than 0 is compli- |
2776 | cated. Outside a character class, PCRE reads it and any following dig- | cated. Outside a character class, PCRE reads it and any following dig- |
# | Line 2516 BACKSLASH | Line 2782 BACKSLASH |
2782 | ||
2783 | Inside a character class, or if the decimal number is greater than 9 | Inside a character class, or if the decimal number is greater than 9 |
2784 | and there have not been that many capturing subpatterns, PCRE re-reads | and there have not been that many capturing subpatterns, PCRE re-reads |
2785 | up to three octal digits following the backslash, and generates a sin- | up to three octal digits following the backslash, and uses them to gen- |
2786 | gle byte from the least significant 8 bits of the value. Any subsequent | erate a data character. Any subsequent digits stand for themselves. In |
2787 | digits stand for themselves. For example: | non-UTF-8 mode, the value of a character specified in octal must be |
2788 | less than \400. In UTF-8 mode, values up to \777 are permitted. For | |
2789 | example: | |
2790 | ||
2791 | \040 is another way of writing a space | \040 is another way of writing a space |
2792 | \40 is the same, provided there are fewer than 40 | \40 is the same, provided there are fewer than 40 |
# | Line 2538 BACKSLASH | Line 2806 BACKSLASH |
2806 | Note that octal values of 100 or greater must not be introduced by a | Note that octal values of 100 or greater must not be introduced by a |
2807 | leading zero, because no more than three octal digits are ever read. | leading zero, because no more than three octal digits are ever read. |
2808 | ||
2809 | All the sequences that define a single byte value or a single UTF-8 | All the sequences that define a single character value can be used both |
2810 | character (in UTF-8 mode) can be used both inside and outside character | inside and outside character classes. In addition, inside a character |
2811 | classes. In addition, inside a character class, the sequence \b is | class, the sequence \b is interpreted as the backspace character (hex |
2812 | interpreted as the backspace character (hex 08), and the sequence \X is | 08), and the sequences \R and \X are interpreted as the characters "R" |
2813 | interpreted as the character "X". Outside a character class, these | and "X", respectively. Outside a character class, these sequences have |
2814 | sequences have different meanings (see below). | different meanings (see below). |
2815 | ||
2816 | Absolute and relative back references | |
2817 | ||
2818 | The sequence \g followed by a positive or negative number, optionally | |
2819 | enclosed in braces, is an absolute or relative back reference. Back | |
2820 | references are discussed later, following the discussion of parenthe- | |
2821 | sized subpatterns. | |
2822 | ||
2823 | Generic character types | Generic character types |
2824 | ||
2825 | The third use of backslash is for specifying generic character types. | Another use of backslash is for specifying generic character types. The |
2826 | The following are always recognized: | following are always recognized: |
2827 | ||
2828 | \d any decimal digit | \d any decimal digit |
2829 | \D any character that is not a decimal digit | \D any character that is not a decimal digit |
# | Line 2558 BACKSLASH | Line 2833 BACKSLASH |
2833 | \W any "non-word" character | \W any "non-word" character |
2834 | ||
2835 | Each pair of escape sequences partitions the complete set of characters | Each pair of escape sequences partitions the complete set of characters |
2836 | into two disjoint sets. Any given character matches one, and only one, | into two disjoint sets. Any given character matches one, and only one, |
2837 | of each pair. | of each pair. |
2838 | ||
2839 | These character type sequences can appear both inside and outside char- | These character type sequences can appear both inside and outside char- |
2840 | acter classes. They each match one character of the appropriate type. | acter classes. They each match one character of the appropriate type. |
2841 | If the current matching point is at the end of the subject string, all | If the current matching point is at the end of the subject string, all |
2842 | of them fail, since there is no character to match. | of them fail, since there is no character to match. |
2843 | ||
2844 | For compatibility with Perl, \s does not match the VT character (code | For compatibility with Perl, \s does not match the VT character (code |
2845 | 11). This makes it different from the the POSIX "space" class. The \s | 11). This makes it different from the the POSIX "space" class. The \s |
2846 | characters are HT (9), LF (10), FF (12), CR (13), and space (32). | characters are HT (9), LF (10), FF (12), CR (13), and space (32). (If |
2847 | "use locale;" is included in a Perl script, \s may match the VT charac- | |
2848 | ter. In PCRE, it never does.) | |
2849 | ||
2850 | A "word" character is an underscore or any character less than 256 that | A "word" character is an underscore or any character less than 256 that |
2851 | is a letter or digit. The definition of letters and digits is con- | is a letter or digit. The definition of letters and digits is con- |
2852 | trolled by PCRE's low-valued character tables, and may vary if locale- | trolled by PCRE's low-valued character tables, and may vary if locale- |
2853 | specific matching is taking place (see "Locale support" in the pcreapi | specific matching is taking place (see "Locale support" in the pcreapi |
2854 | page). For example, in the "fr_FR" (French) locale, some character | page). For example, in the "fr_FR" (French) locale, some character |
2855 | codes greater than 128 are used for accented letters, and these are | codes greater than 128 are used for accented letters, and these are |
2856 | matched by \w. | matched by \w. |
2857 | ||
2858 | In UTF-8 mode, characters with values greater than 128 never match \d, | In UTF-8 mode, characters with values greater than 128 never match \d, |
2859 | \s, or \w, and always match \D, \S, and \W. This is true even when Uni- | \s, or \w, and always match \D, \S, and \W. This is true even when Uni- |
2860 | code character property support is available. | code character property support is available. The use of locales with |
2861 | Unicode is discouraged. | |
2862 | ||
2863 | Newline sequences | |
2864 | ||
2865 | Outside a character class, the escape sequence \R matches any Unicode | |
2866 | newline sequence. This is an extension to Perl. In non-UTF-8 mode \R is | |
2867 | equivalent to the following: | |
2868 | ||
2869 | (?>\r\n|\n|\x0b|\f|\r|\x85) | |
2870 | ||
2871 | This is an example of an "atomic group", details of which are given | |
2872 | below. This particular group matches either the two-character sequence | |
2873 | CR followed by LF, or one of the single characters LF (linefeed, | |
2874 | U+000A), VT (vertical tab, U+000B), FF (formfeed, U+000C), CR (carriage | |
2875 | return, U+000D), or NEL (next line, U+0085). The two-character sequence | |
2876 | is treated as a single unit that cannot be split. | |
2877 | ||
2878 | In UTF-8 mode, two additional characters whose codepoints are greater | |
2879 | than 255 are added: LS (line separator, U+2028) and PS (paragraph sepa- | |
2880 | rator, U+2029). Unicode character property support is not needed for | |
2881 | these characters to be recognized. | |
2882 | ||
2883 | Inside a character class, \R matches the letter "R". | |
2884 | ||
2885 | Unicode character properties | Unicode character properties |
2886 | ||
2887 | When PCRE is built with Unicode character property support, three addi- | When PCRE is built with Unicode character property support, three addi- |
2888 | tional escape sequences to match generic character types are available | tional escape sequences to match character properties are available |
2889 | when UTF-8 mode is selected. They are: | when UTF-8 mode is selected. They are: |
2890 | ||
2891 | \p{xx} a character with the xx property | \p{xx} a character with the xx property |
2892 | \P{xx} a character without the xx property | \P{xx} a character without the xx property |
2893 | \X an extended Unicode sequence | \X an extended Unicode sequence |
2894 | ||
2895 | The property names represented by xx above are limited to the Unicode | The property names represented by xx above are limited to the Unicode |
2896 | general category properties. Each character has exactly one such prop- | script names, the general category properties, and "Any", which matches |
2897 | erty, specified by a two-letter abbreviation. For compatibility with | any character (including newline). Other properties such as "InMusical- |
2898 | Perl, negation can be specified by including a circumflex between the | Symbols" are not currently supported by PCRE. Note that \P{Any} does |
2899 | opening brace and the property name. For example, \p{^Lu} is the same | not match any characters, so always causes a match failure. |
2900 | as \P{Lu}. | |
2901 | Sets of Unicode characters are defined as belonging to certain scripts. | |
2902 | If only one letter is specified with \p or \P, it includes all the | A character from one of these sets can be matched using a script name. |
2903 | properties that start with that letter. In this case, in the absence of | For example: |
2904 | negation, the curly brackets in the escape sequence are optional; these | |
2905 | two examples have the same effect: | \p{Greek} |
2906 | \P{Han} | |
2907 | ||
2908 | Those that are not part of an identified script are lumped together as | |
2909 | "Common". The current list of scripts is: | |
2910 | ||
2911 | Arabic, Armenian, Balinese, Bengali, Bopomofo, Braille, Buginese, | |
2912 | Buhid, Canadian_Aboriginal, Cherokee, Common, Coptic, Cuneiform, | |
2913 | Cypriot, Cyrillic, Deseret, Devanagari, Ethiopic, Georgian, Glagolitic, | |
2914 | Gothic, Greek, Gujarati, Gurmukhi, Han, Hangul, Hanunoo, Hebrew, Hira- | |
2915 | gana, Inherited, Kannada, Katakana, Kharoshthi, Khmer, Lao, Latin, | |
2916 | Limbu, Linear_B, Malayalam, Mongolian, Myanmar, New_Tai_Lue, Nko, | |
2917 | Ogham, Old_Italic, Old_Persian, Oriya, Osmanya, Phags_Pa, Phoenician, | |
2918 | Runic, Shavian, Sinhala, Syloti_Nagri, Syriac, Tagalog, Tagbanwa, | |
2919 | Tai_Le, Tamil, Telugu, Thaana, Thai, Tibetan, Tifinagh, Ugaritic, Yi. | |
2920 | ||
2921 | Each character has exactly one general category property, specified by | |
2922 | a two-letter abbreviation. For compatibility with Perl, negation can be | |
2923 | specified by including a circumflex between the opening brace and the | |
2924 | property name. For example, \p{^Lu} is the same as \P{Lu}. | |
2925 | ||
2926 | If only one letter is specified with \p or \P, it includes all the gen- | |
2927 | eral category properties that start with that letter. In this case, in | |
2928 | the absence of negation, the curly brackets in the escape sequence are | |
2929 | optional; these two examples have the same effect: | |
2930 | ||
2931 | \p{L} | \p{L} |
2932 | \pL | \pL |
2933 | ||
2934 | The following property codes are supported: | The following general category property codes are supported: |
2935 | ||
2936 | C Other | C Other |
2937 | Cc Control | Cc Control |
# | Line 2653 BACKSLASH | Line 2977 BACKSLASH |
2977 | Zp Paragraph separator | Zp Paragraph separator |
2978 | Zs Space separator | Zs Space separator |
2979 | ||
2980 | Extended properties such as "Greek" or "InMusicalSymbols" are not sup- | The special property L& is also supported: it matches a character that |
2981 | ported by PCRE. | has the Lu, Ll, or Lt property, in other words, a letter that is not |
2982 | classified as a modifier or "other". | |
2983 | ||
2984 | The long synonyms for these properties that Perl supports (such as | |
2985 | \p{Letter}) are not supported by PCRE, nor is it permitted to prefix | |
2986 | any of these properties with "Is". | |
2987 | ||
2988 | No character that is in the Unicode table has the Cn (unassigned) prop- | |
2989 | erty. Instead, this property is assumed for any code point that is not | |
2990 | in the Unicode table. | |
2991 | ||
2992 | Specifying caseless matching does not affect these escape sequences. | Specifying caseless matching does not affect these escape sequences. |
2993 | For example, \p{Lu} always matches only upper case letters. | For example, \p{Lu} always matches only upper case letters. |
# | Line 2676 BACKSLASH | Line 3009 BACKSLASH |
3009 | ||
3010 | Simple assertions | Simple assertions |
3011 | ||
3012 | The fourth use of backslash is for certain simple assertions. An asser- | The final use of backslash is for certain simple assertions. An asser- |
3013 | tion specifies a condition that has to be met at a particular point in | tion specifies a condition that has to be met at a particular point in |
3014 | a match, without consuming any characters from the subject string. The | a match, without consuming any characters from the subject string. The |
3015 | use of subpatterns for more complicated assertions is described below. | use of subpatterns for more complicated assertions is described below. |
# | Line 2684 BACKSLASH | Line 3017 BACKSLASH |
3017 | ||
3018 | \b matches at a word boundary | \b matches at a word boundary |
3019 | \B matches when not at a word boundary | \B matches when not at a word boundary |
3020 | \A matches at start of subject | \A matches at the start of the subject |
3021 | \Z matches at end of subject or before newline at end | \Z matches at the end of the subject |
3022 | \z matches at end of subject | also matches before a newline at the end of the subject |
3023 | \G matches at first matching position in subject | \z matches only at the end of the subject |
3024 | \G matches at the first matching position in the subject | |
3025 | ||
3026 | These assertions may not appear in character classes (but note that \b | These assertions may not appear in character classes (but note that \b |
3027 | has a different meaning, namely the backspace character, inside a char- | has a different meaning, namely the backspace character, inside a char- |
# | Line 2707 BACKSLASH | Line 3041 BACKSLASH |
3041 | However, if the startoffset argument of pcre_exec() is non-zero, indi- | However, if the startoffset argument of pcre_exec() is non-zero, indi- |
3042 | cating that matching is to start at a point other than the beginning of | cating that matching is to start at a point other than the beginning of |
3043 | the subject, \A can never match. The difference between \Z and \z is | the subject, \A can never match. The difference between \Z and \z is |
3044 | that \Z matches before a newline that is the last character of the | that \Z matches before a newline at the end of the string as well as at |
3045 | string as well as at the end of the string, whereas \z matches only at | the very end, whereas \z matches only at the end. |
3046 | the end. | |
3047 | The \G assertion is true only when the current matching position is at | |
3048 | The \G assertion is true only when the current matching position is at | the start point of the match, as specified by the startoffset argument |
3049 | the start point of the match, as specified by the startoffset argument | of pcre_exec(). It differs from \A when the value of startoffset is |
3050 | of pcre_exec(). It differs from \A when the value of startoffset is | non-zero. By calling pcre_exec() multiple times with appropriate argu- |
non-zero. By calling pcre_exec() multiple times with appropriate argu- | ||
3051 | ments, you can mimic Perl's /g option, and it is in this kind of imple- | ments, you can mimic Perl's /g option, and it is in this kind of imple- |
3052 | mentation where \G can be useful. | mentation where \G can be useful. |
3053 | ||
3054 | Note, however, that PCRE's interpretation of \G, as the start of the | Note, however, that PCRE's interpretation of \G, as the start of the |
3055 | current match, is subtly different from Perl's, which defines it as the | current match, is subtly different from Perl's, which defines it as the |
3056 | end of the previous match. In Perl, these can be different when the | end of the previous match. In Perl, these can be different when the |
3057 | previously matched string was empty. Because PCRE does just one match | previously matched string was empty. Because PCRE does just one match |
3058 | at a time, it cannot reproduce this behaviour. | at a time, it cannot reproduce this behaviour. |
3059 | ||
3060 | If all the alternatives of a pattern begin with \G, the expression is | If all the alternatives of a pattern begin with \G, the expression is |
3061 | anchored to the starting match position, and the "anchored" flag is set | anchored to the starting match position, and the "anchored" flag is set |
3062 | in the compiled regular expression. | in the compiled regular expression. |
3063 | ||
# | Line 2732 BACKSLASH | Line 3065 BACKSLASH |
3065 | CIRCUMFLEX AND DOLLAR | CIRCUMFLEX AND DOLLAR |
3066 | ||
3067 | Outside a character class, in the default matching mode, the circumflex | Outside a character class, in the default matching mode, the circumflex |
3068 | character is an assertion that is true only if the current matching | character is an assertion that is true only if the current matching |
3069 | point is at the start of the subject string. If the startoffset argu- | point is at the start of the subject string. If the startoffset argu- |
3070 | ment of pcre_exec() is non-zero, circumflex can never match if the | ment of pcre_exec() is non-zero, circumflex can never match if the |
3071 | PCRE_MULTILINE option is unset. Inside a character class, circumflex | PCRE_MULTILINE option is unset. Inside a character class, circumflex |
3072 | has an entirely different meaning (see below). | has an entirely different meaning (see below). |
3073 | ||
3074 | Circumflex need not be the first character of the pattern if a number | Circumflex need not be the first character of the pattern if a number |
3075 | of alternatives are involved, but it should be the first thing in each | of alternatives are involved, but it should be the first thing in each |
3076 | alternative in which it appears if the pattern is ever to match that | alternative in which it appears if the pattern is ever to match that |
3077 | branch. If all possible alternatives start with a circumflex, that is, | branch. If all possible alternatives start with a circumflex, that is, |
3078 | if the pattern is constrained to match only at the start of the sub- | if the pattern is constrained to match only at the start of the sub- |
3079 | ject, it is said to be an "anchored" pattern. (There are also other | ject, it is said to be an "anchored" pattern. (There are also other |
3080 | constructs that can cause a pattern to be anchored.) | constructs that can cause a pattern to be anchored.) |
3081 | ||
3082 | A dollar character is an assertion that is true only if the current | A dollar character is an assertion that is true only if the current |
3083 | matching point is at the end of the subject string, or immediately | matching point is at the end of the subject string, or immediately |
3084 | before a newline character that is the last character in the string (by | before a newline at the end of the string (by default). Dollar need not |
3085 | default). Dollar need not be the last character of the pattern if a | be the last character of the pattern if a number of alternatives are |
3086 | number of alternatives are involved, but it should be the last item in | involved, but it should be the last item in any branch in which it |
3087 | any branch in which it appears. Dollar has no special meaning in a | appears. Dollar has no special meaning in a character class. |
character class. | ||
3088 | ||
3089 | The meaning of dollar can be changed so that it matches only at the | The meaning of dollar can be changed so that it matches only at the |
3090 | very end of the string, by setting the PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY option at | very end of the string, by setting the PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY option at |
3091 | compile time. This does not affect the \Z assertion. | compile time. This does not affect the \Z assertion. |
3092 | ||
3093 | The meanings of the circumflex and dollar characters are changed if the | The meanings of the circumflex and dollar characters are changed if the |
3094 | PCRE_MULTILINE option is set. When this is the case, they match immedi- | PCRE_MULTILINE option is set. When this is the case, a circumflex |
3095 | ately after and immediately before an internal newline character, | matches immediately after internal newlines as well as at the start of |
3096 | respectively, in addition to matching at the start and end of the sub- | the subject string. It does not match after a newline that ends the |
3097 | ject string. For example, the pattern /^abc$/ matches the subject | string. A dollar matches before any newlines in the string, as well as |
3098 | string "def\nabc" (where \n represents a newline character) in multi- | at the very end, when PCRE_MULTILINE is set. When newline is specified |
3099 | line mode, but not otherwise. Consequently, patterns that are anchored | as the two-character sequence CRLF, isolated CR and LF characters do |
3100 | in single line mode because all branches start with ^ are not anchored | not indicate newlines. |
3101 | in multiline mode, and a match for circumflex is possible when the | |
3102 | startoffset argument of pcre_exec() is non-zero. The PCRE_DOL- | For example, the pattern /^abc$/ matches the subject string "def\nabc" |
3103 | LAR_ENDONLY option is ignored if PCRE_MULTILINE is set. | (where \n represents a newline) in multiline mode, but not otherwise. |
3104 | Consequently, patterns that are anchored in single line mode because | |
3105 | Note that the sequences \A, \Z, and \z can be used to match the start | all branches start with ^ are not anchored in multiline mode, and a |
3106 | and end of the subject in both modes, and if all branches of a pattern | match for circumflex is possible when the startoffset argument of |
3107 | start with \A it is always anchored, whether PCRE_MULTILINE is set or | pcre_exec() is non-zero. The PCRE_DOLLAR_ENDONLY option is ignored if |
3108 | not. | PCRE_MULTILINE is set. |
3109 | ||
3110 | Note that the sequences \A, \Z, and \z can be used to match the start | |
3111 | and end of the subject in both modes, and if all branches of a pattern | |
3112 | start with \A it is always anchored, whether or not PCRE_MULTILINE is | |
3113 | set. | |
3114 | ||
3115 | ||
3116 | FULL STOP (PERIOD, DOT) | FULL STOP (PERIOD, DOT) |
3117 | ||
3118 | Outside a character class, a dot in the pattern matches any one charac- | Outside a character class, a dot in the pattern matches any one charac- |
3119 | ter in the subject, including a non-printing character, but not (by | ter in the subject string except (by default) a character that signi- |
3120 | default) newline. In UTF-8 mode, a dot matches any UTF-8 character, | fies the end of a line. In UTF-8 mode, the matched character may be |
3121 | which might be more than one byte long, except (by default) newline. If | more than one byte long. |
3122 | the PCRE_DOTALL option is set, dots match newlines as well. The han- | |
3123 | dling of dot is entirely independent of the handling of circumflex and | When a line ending is defined as a single character, dot never matches |
3124 | dollar, the only relationship being that they both involve newline | that character; when the two-character sequence CRLF is used, dot does |
3125 | characters. Dot has no special meaning in a character class. | not match CR if it is immediately followed by LF, but otherwise it |
3126 | matches all characters (including isolated CRs and LFs). When any Uni- | |
3127 | code line endings are being recognized, dot does not match CR or LF or | |
3128 | any of the other line ending characters. | |
3129 | ||
3130 | The behaviour of dot with regard to newlines can be changed. If the | |
3131 | PCRE_DOTALL option is set, a dot matches any one character, without | |
3132 | exception. If the two-character sequence CRLF is present in the subject | |
3133 | string, it takes two dots to match it. | |
3134 | ||
3135 | The handling of dot is entirely independent of the handling of circum- | |
3136 | flex and dollar, the only relationship being that they both involve | |
3137 | newlines. Dot has no special meaning in a character class. | |
3138 | ||
3139 | ||
3140 | MATCHING A SINGLE BYTE | MATCHING A SINGLE BYTE |
3141 | ||
3142 | Outside a character class, the escape sequence \C matches any one byte, | Outside a character class, the escape sequence \C matches any one byte, |
3143 | both in and out of UTF-8 mode. Unlike a dot, it can match a newline. | both in and out of UTF-8 mode. Unlike a dot, it always matches any |
3144 | The feature is provided in Perl in order to match individual bytes in | line-ending characters. The feature is provided in Perl in order to |
3145 | UTF-8 mode. Because it breaks up UTF-8 characters into individual | match individual bytes in UTF-8 mode. Because it breaks up UTF-8 char- |
3146 | bytes, what remains in the string may be a malformed UTF-8 string. For | acters into individual bytes, what remains in the string may be a mal- |
3147 | this reason, the \C escape sequence is best avoided. | formed UTF-8 string. For this reason, the \C escape sequence is best |
3148 | avoided. | |
3149 | ||
3150 | PCRE does not allow \C to appear in lookbehind assertions (described | PCRE does not allow \C to appear in lookbehind assertions (described |
3151 | below), because in UTF-8 mode this would make it impossible to calcu- | below), because in UTF-8 mode this would make it impossible to calcu- |
# | Line 2842 SQUARE BRACKETS AND CHARACTER CLASSES | Line 3192 SQUARE BRACKETS AND CHARACTER CLASSES |
3192 | PCRE is compiled with Unicode property support as well as with UTF-8 | PCRE is compiled with Unicode property support as well as with UTF-8 |
3193 | support. | support. |
3194 | ||
3195 | The newline character is never treated in any special way in character | Characters that might indicate line breaks are never treated in any |
3196 | classes, whatever the setting of the PCRE_DOTALL or PCRE_MULTILINE | special way when matching character classes, whatever line-ending |
3197 | options is. A class such as [^a] will always match a newline. | sequence is in use, and whatever setting of the PCRE_DOTALL and |
3198 | PCRE_MULTILINE options is used. A class such as [^a] always matches one | |
3199 | of these characters. | |
3200 | ||
3201 | The minus (hyphen) character can be used to specify a range of charac- | The minus (hyphen) character can be used to specify a range of charac- |
3202 | ters in a character class. For example, [d-m] matches any letter | ters in a character class. For example, [d-m] matches any letter |
# | Line 2945 VERTICAL BAR | Line 3297 VERTICAL BAR |
3297 | ||
3298 | matches either "gilbert" or "sullivan". Any number of alternatives may | matches either "gilbert" or "sullivan". Any number of alternatives may |
3299 | appear, and an empty alternative is permitted (matching the empty | appear, and an empty alternative is permitted (matching the empty |
3300 | string). The matching process tries each alternative in turn, from | string). The matching process tries each alternative in turn, from left |
3301 | left to right, and the first one that succeeds is used. If the alterna- | to right, and the first one that succeeds is used. If the alternatives |
3302 | tives are within a subpattern (defined below), "succeeds" means match- | are within a subpattern (defined below), "succeeds" means matching the |
3303 | ing the rest of the main pattern as well as the alternative in the sub- | rest of the main pattern as well as the alternative in the subpattern. |
pattern. | ||
3304 | ||
3305 | ||
3306 | INTERNAL OPTION SETTING | INTERNAL OPTION SETTING |
# | Line 2977 INTERNAL OPTION SETTING | Line 3328 INTERNAL OPTION SETTING |
3328 | PCRE extracts it into the global options (and it will therefore show up | PCRE extracts it into the global options (and it will therefore show up |
3329 | in data extracted by the pcre_fullinfo() function). | in data extracted by the pcre_fullinfo() function). |
3330 | ||
3331 | An option change within a subpattern affects only that part of the cur- | An option change within a subpattern (see below for a description of |
3332 | rent pattern that follows it, so | subpatterns) affects only that part of the current pattern that follows |
3333 | it, so | |
3334 | ||
3335 | (a(?i)b)c | (a(?i)b)c |
3336 | ||
3337 | matches abc and aBc and no other strings (assuming PCRE_CASELESS is not | matches abc and aBc and no other strings (assuming PCRE_CASELESS is not |
3338 | used). By this means, options can be made to have different settings | used). By this means, options can be made to have different settings |
3339 | in different parts of the pattern. Any changes made in one alternative | in different parts of the pattern. Any changes made in one alternative |
3340 | do carry on into subsequent branches within the same subpattern. For | do carry on into subsequent branches within the same subpattern. For |
3341 | example, | example, |
3342 | ||
3343 | (a(?i)b|c) | (a(?i)b|c) |
3344 | ||
3345 | matches "ab", "aB", "c", and "C", even though when matching "C" the | matches "ab", "aB", "c", and "C", even though when matching "C" the |
3346 | first branch is abandoned before the option setting. This is because | first branch is abandoned before the option setting. This is because |
3347 | the effects of option settings happen at compile time. There would be | the effects of option settings happen at compile time. There would be |
3348 | some very weird behaviour otherwise. | some very weird behaviour otherwise. |
3349 | ||
3350 | The PCRE-specific options PCRE_UNGREEDY and PCRE_EXTRA can be changed | The PCRE-specific options PCRE_DUPNAMES, PCRE_UNGREEDY, and PCRE_EXTRA |
3351 | in the same way as the Perl-compatible options by using the characters | can be changed in the same way as the Perl-compatible options by using |
3352 | U and X respectively. The (?X) flag setting is special in that it must | the characters J, U and X respectively. |
always occur earlier in the pattern than any of the additional features | ||
it turns on, even when it is at top level. It is best to put it at the | ||
start. | ||
3353 | ||
3354 | ||
3355 | SUBPATTERNS | SUBPATTERNS |
# | Line 3013 SUBPATTERNS | Line 3362 SUBPATTERNS |
3362 | cat(aract|erpillar|) | cat(aract|erpillar|) |
3363 | ||
3364 | matches one of the words "cat", "cataract", or "caterpillar". Without | matches one of the words "cat", "cataract", or "caterpillar". Without |
3365 | the parentheses, it would match "cataract", "erpillar" or the empty | the parentheses, it would match "cataract", "erpillar" or an empty |
3366 | string. | string. |
3367 | ||
3368 | 2. It sets up the subpattern as a capturing subpattern. This means | 2. It sets up the subpattern as a capturing subpattern. This means |
# | Line 3042 SUBPATTERNS | Line 3391 SUBPATTERNS |
3391 | the ((?:red|white) (king|queen)) | the ((?:red|white) (king|queen)) |
3392 | ||
3393 | the captured substrings are "white queen" and "queen", and are numbered | the captured substrings are "white queen" and "queen", and are numbered |
3394 | 1 and 2. The maximum number of capturing subpatterns is 65535, and the | 1 and 2. The maximum number of capturing subpatterns is 65535. |
maximum depth of nesting of all subpatterns, both capturing and non- | ||
capturing, is 200. | ||
3395 | ||
3396 | As a convenient shorthand, if any option settings are required at the | As a convenient shorthand, if any option settings are required at the |
3397 | start of a non-capturing subpattern, the option letters may appear | start of a non-capturing subpattern, the option letters may appear |
# | Line 3066 NAMED SUBPATTERNS | Line 3413 NAMED SUBPATTERNS |
3413 | very hard to keep track of the numbers in complicated regular expres- | very hard to keep track of the numbers in complicated regular expres- |
3414 | sions. Furthermore, if an expression is modified, the numbers may | sions. Furthermore, if an expression is modified, the numbers may |
3415 | change. To help with this difficulty, PCRE supports the naming of sub- | change. To help with this difficulty, PCRE supports the naming of sub- |
3416 | patterns, something that Perl does not provide. The Python syntax | patterns. This feature was not added to Perl until release 5.10. Python |
3417 | (?P<name>...) is used. Names consist of alphanumeric characters and | had the feature earlier, and PCRE introduced it at release 4.0, using |
3418 | underscores, and must be unique within a pattern. | the Python syntax. PCRE now supports both the Perl and the Python syn- |
3419 | tax. | |
3420 | ||
3421 | In PCRE, a subpattern can be named in one of three ways: (?<name>...) | |
3422 | or (?'name'...) as in Perl, or (?P<name>...) as in Python. References | |
3423 | to capturing parentheses from other parts of the pattern, such as back- | |
3424 | references, recursion, and conditions, can be made by name as well as | |
3425 | by number. | |
3426 | ||
3427 | Names consist of up to 32 alphanumeric characters and underscores. | |
3428 | Named capturing parentheses are still allocated numbers as well as | Named capturing parentheses are still allocated numbers as well as |
3429 | names. The PCRE API provides function calls for extracting the name-to- | names, exactly as if the names were not present. The PCRE API provides |
3430 | number translation table from a compiled pattern. There is also a con- | function calls for extracting the name-to-number translation table from |
3431 | venience function for extracting a captured substring by name. For fur- | a compiled pattern. There is also a convenience function for extracting |
3432 | ther details see the pcreapi documentation. | a captured substring by name. |
3433 | ||
3434 | By default, a name must be unique within a pattern, but it is possible | |
3435 | to relax this constraint by setting the PCRE_DUPNAMES option at compile | |
3436 | time. This can be useful for patterns where only one instance of the | |
3437 | named parentheses can match. Suppose you want to match the name of a | |
3438 | weekday, either as a 3-letter abbreviation or as the full name, and in | |
3439 | both cases you want to extract the abbreviation. This pattern (ignoring | |
3440 | the line breaks) does the job: | |
3441 | ||
3442 | (?<DN>Mon|Fri|Sun)(?:day)?| | |
3443 | (?<DN>Tue)(?:sday)?| | |
3444 | (?<DN>Wed)(?:nesday)?| | |
3445 | (?<DN>Thu)(?:rsday)?| | |
3446 | (?<DN>Sat)(?:urday)? | |
3447 | ||
3448 | There are five capturing substrings, but only one is ever set after a | |
3449 | match. The convenience function for extracting the data by name | |
3450 | returns the substring for the first (and in this example, the only) | |
3451 | subpattern of that name that matched. This saves searching to find | |
3452 | which numbered subpattern it was. If you make a reference to a non- | |
3453 | unique named subpattern from elsewhere in the pattern, the one that | |
3454 | corresponds to the lowest number is used. For further details of the | |
3455 | interfaces for handling named subpatterns, see the pcreapi documenta- | |
3456 | tion. | |
3457 | ||
3458 | ||
3459 | REPETITION | REPETITION |
# | Line 3083 REPETITION | Line 3462 REPETITION |
3462 | following items: | following items: |
3463 | ||
3464 | a literal data character | a literal data character |
3465 | the . metacharacter | the dot metacharacter |
3466 | the \C escape sequence | the \C escape sequence |
3467 | the \X escape sequence (in UTF-8 mode with Unicode properties) | the \X escape sequence (in UTF-8 mode with Unicode properties) |
3468 | the \R escape sequence | |
3469 | an escape such as \d that matches a single character | an escape such as \d that matches a single character |
3470 | a character class | a character class |
3471 | a back reference (see next section) | a back reference (see next section) |
# | Line 3125 REPETITION | Line 3505 REPETITION |
3505 | The quantifier {0} is permitted, causing the expression to behave as if | The quantifier {0} is permitted, causing the expression to behave as if |
3506 | the previous item and the quantifier were not present. | the previous item and the quantifier were not present. |
3507 | ||
3508 | For convenience (and historical compatibility) the three most common | For convenience, the three most common quantifiers have single-charac- |
3509 | quantifiers have single-character abbreviations: | ter abbreviations: |
3510 | ||
3511 | * is equivalent to {0,} | * is equivalent to {0,} |
3512 | + is equivalent to {1,} | + is equivalent to {1,} |
# | Line 3178 REPETITION | Line 3558 REPETITION |
3558 | which matches one digit by preference, but can match two if that is the | which matches one digit by preference, but can match two if that is the |
3559 | only way the rest of the pattern matches. | only way the rest of the pattern matches. |
3560 | ||
3561 | If the PCRE_UNGREEDY option is set (an option which is not available in | If the PCRE_UNGREEDY option is set (an option that is not available in |
3562 | Perl), the quantifiers are not greedy by default, but individual ones | Perl), the quantifiers are not greedy by default, but individual ones |
3563 | can be made greedy by following them with a question mark. In other | can be made greedy by following them with a question mark. In other |
3564 | words, it inverts the default behaviour. | words, it inverts the default behaviour. |
# | Line 3189 REPETITION | Line 3569 REPETITION |
3569 | minimum or maximum. | minimum or maximum. |
3570 | ||
3571 | If a pattern starts with .* or .{0,} and the PCRE_DOTALL option (equiv- | If a pattern starts with .* or .{0,} and the PCRE_DOTALL option (equiv- |
3572 | alent to Perl's /s) is set, thus allowing the . to match newlines, the | alent to Perl's /s) is set, thus allowing the dot to match newlines, |
3573 | pattern is implicitly anchored, because whatever follows will be tried | the pattern is implicitly anchored, because whatever follows will be |
3574 | against every character position in the subject string, so there is no | tried against every character position in the subject string, so there |
3575 | point in retrying the overall match at any position after the first. | is no point in retrying the overall match at any position after the |
3576 | PCRE normally treats such a pattern as though it were preceded by \A. | first. PCRE normally treats such a pattern as though it were preceded |
3577 | by \A. | |
3578 | ||
3579 | In cases where it is known that the subject string contains no new- | In cases where it is known that the subject string contains no new- |
3580 | lines, it is worth setting PCRE_DOTALL in order to obtain this opti- | lines, it is worth setting PCRE_DOTALL in order to obtain this opti- |
3581 | mization, or alternatively using ^ to indicate anchoring explicitly. | mization, or alternatively using ^ to indicate anchoring explicitly. |
3582 | ||
3583 | However, there is one situation where the optimization cannot be used. | However, there is one situation where the optimization cannot be used. |
3584 | When .* is inside capturing parentheses that are the subject of a | When .* is inside capturing parentheses that are the subject of a |
3585 | backreference elsewhere in the pattern, a match at the start may fail, | backreference elsewhere in the pattern, a match at the start may fail |
3586 | and a later one succeed. Consider, for example: | where a later one succeeds. Consider, for example: |
3587 | ||
3588 | (.*)abc\1 | (.*)abc\1 |
3589 | ||
3590 | If the subject is "xyz123abc123" the match point is the fourth charac- | If the subject is "xyz123abc123" the match point is the fourth charac- |
3591 | ter. For this reason, such a pattern is not implicitly anchored. | ter. For this reason, such a pattern is not implicitly anchored. |
3592 | ||
3593 | When a capturing subpattern is repeated, the value captured is the sub- | When a capturing subpattern is repeated, the value captured is the sub- |
# | Line 3215 REPETITION | Line 3596 REPETITION |
3596 | (tweedle[dume]{3}\s*)+ | (tweedle[dume]{3}\s*)+ |
3597 | ||
3598 | has matched "tweedledum tweedledee" the value of the captured substring | has matched "tweedledum tweedledee" the value of the captured substring |
3599 | is "tweedledee". However, if there are nested capturing subpatterns, | is "tweedledee". However, if there are nested capturing subpatterns, |
3600 | the corresponding captured values may have been set in previous itera- | the corresponding captured values may have been set in previous itera- |
3601 | tions. For example, after | tions. For example, after |
3602 | ||
3603 | /(a|(b))+/ | /(a|(b))+/ |
# | Line 3226 REPETITION | Line 3607 REPETITION |
3607 | ||
3608 | ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIERS | ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIERS |
3609 | ||
3610 | With both maximizing and minimizing repetition, failure of what follows | With both maximizing ("greedy") and minimizing ("ungreedy" or "lazy") |
3611 | normally causes the repeated item to be re-evaluated to see if a dif- | repetition, failure of what follows normally causes the repeated item |
3612 | ferent number of repeats allows the rest of the pattern to match. Some- | to be re-evaluated to see if a different number of repeats allows the |
3613 | times it is useful to prevent this, either to change the nature of the | rest of the pattern to match. Sometimes it is useful to prevent this, |
3614 | match, or to cause it fail earlier than it otherwise might, when the | either to change the nature of the match, or to cause it fail earlier |
3615 | author of the pattern knows there is no point in carrying on. | than it otherwise might, when the author of the pattern knows there is |
3616 | no point in carrying on. | |
3617 | ||
3618 | Consider, for example, the pattern \d+foo when applied to the subject | Consider, for example, the pattern \d+foo when applied to the subject |
3619 | line | line |
# | Line 3245 ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIE | Line 3627 ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIE |
3627 | the means for specifying that once a subpattern has matched, it is not | the means for specifying that once a subpattern has matched, it is not |
3628 | to be re-evaluated in this way. | to be re-evaluated in this way. |
3629 | ||
3630 | If we use atomic grouping for the previous example, the matcher would | If we use atomic grouping for the previous example, the matcher gives |
3631 | give up immediately on failing to match "foo" the first time. The nota- | up immediately on failing to match "foo" the first time. The notation |
3632 | tion is a kind of special parenthesis, starting with (?> as in this | is a kind of special parenthesis, starting with (?> as in this example: |
example: | ||
3633 | ||
3634 | (?>\d+)foo | (?>\d+)foo |
3635 | ||
# | Line 3280 ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIE | Line 3661 ATOMIC GROUPING AND POSSESSIVE QUANTIFIE |
3661 | Possessive quantifiers are always greedy; the setting of the | Possessive quantifiers are always greedy; the setting of the |
3662 | PCRE_UNGREEDY option is ignored. They are a convenient notation for the | PCRE_UNGREEDY option is ignored. They are a convenient notation for the |
3663 | simpler forms of atomic group. However, there is no difference in the | simpler forms of atomic group. However, there is no difference in the |
3664 | meaning or processing of a possessive quantifier and the equivalent | meaning of a possessive quantifier and the equivalent atomic group, |
3665 | atomic group. | though there may be a performance difference; possessive quantifiers |
3666 | should be slightly faster. | |
3667 | The possessive quantifier syntax is an extension to the Perl syntax. It | |
3668 | originates in Sun's Java package. | The possessive quantifier syntax is an extension to the Perl 5.8 syn- |
3669 | tax. Jeffrey Friedl originated the idea (and the name) in the first | |
3670 | When a pattern contains an unlimited repeat inside a subpattern that | edition of his book. Mike McCloskey liked it, so implemented it when he |
3671 | can itself be repeated an unlimited number of times, the use of an | built Sun's Java package, and PCRE copied it from there. It ultimately |
3672 | atomic group is the only way to avoid some failing matches taking a | found its way into Perl at release 5.10. |
3673 | ||
3674 | PCRE has an optimization that automatically "possessifies" certain sim- | |
3675 | ple pattern constructs. For example, the sequence A+B is treated as | |
3676 | A++B because there is no point in backtracking into a sequence of A's | |
3677 | when B must follow. | |
3678 | ||
3679 | When a pattern contains an unlimited repeat inside a subpattern that | |
3680 | can itself be repeated an unlimited number of times, the use of an | |
3681 | atomic group is the only way to avoid some failing matches taking a | |
3682 | very long time indeed. The pattern | very long time indeed. The pattern |
3683 | ||
3684 | (\D+|<\d+>)*[!?] | (\D+|<\d+>)*[!?] |
3685 | ||
3686 | matches an unlimited number of substrings that either consist of non- | matches an unlimited number of substrings that either consist of non- |
3687 | digits, or digits enclosed in <>, followed by either ! or ?. When it | digits, or digits enclosed in <>, followed by either ! or ?. When it |
3688 | matches, it runs quickly. However, if it is applied to | matches, it runs quickly. However, if it is applied to |
3689 | ||
3690 | aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa | aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa |
3691 | ||
3692 | it takes a long time before reporting failure. This is because the | it takes a long time before reporting failure. This is because the |
3693 | string can be divided between the internal \D+ repeat and the external | string can be divided between the internal \D+ repeat and the external |
3694 | * repeat in a large number of ways, and all have to be tried. (The | * repeat in a large number of ways, and all have to be tried. (The |
3695 | example uses [!?] rather than a single character at the end, because | example uses [!?] rather than a single character at the end, because |
3696 | both PCRE and Perl have an optimization that allows for fast failure | both PCRE and Perl have an optimization that allows for fast failure |
3697 | when a single character is used. They remember the last single charac- | when a single character is used. They remember the last single charac- |
3698 | ter that is required for a match, and fail early if it is not present | ter that is required for a match, and fail early if it is not present |
3699 | in the string.) If the pattern is changed so that it uses an atomic | in the string.) If the pattern is changed so that it uses an atomic |
3700 | group, like this: | group, like this: |
3701 | ||
3702 | ((?>\D+)|<\d+>)*[!?] | ((?>\D+)|<\d+>)*[!?] |
3703 | ||
3704 | sequences of non-digits cannot be broken, and failure happens quickly. | sequences of non-digits cannot be broken, and failure happens quickly. |
3705 | ||
3706 | ||
3707 | BACK REFERENCES | BACK REFERENCES |
3708 | ||
3709 | Outside a character class, a backslash followed by a digit greater than | Outside a character class, a backslash followed by a digit greater than |
3710 | 0 (and possibly further digits) is a back reference to a capturing sub- | 0 (and possibly further digits) is a back reference to a capturing sub- |
3711 | pattern earlier (that is, to its left) in the pattern, provided there | pattern earlier (that is, to its left) in the pattern, provided there |
3712 | have been that many previous capturing left parentheses. | have been that many previous capturing left parentheses. |
3713 | ||
3714 | However, if the decimal number following the backslash is less than 10, | However, if the decimal number following the backslash is less than 10, |
3715 | it is always taken as a back reference, and causes an error only if | it is always taken as a back reference, and causes an error only if |
3716 | there are not that many capturing left parentheses in the entire pat- | there are not that many capturing left parentheses in the entire pat- |
3717 | tern. In other words, the parentheses that are referenced need not be | tern. In other words, the parentheses that are referenced need not be |
3718 | to the left of the reference for numbers less than 10. See the subsec- | to the left of the reference for numbers less than 10. A "forward back |
3719 | tion entitled "Non-printing characters" above for further details of | reference" of this type can make sense when a repetition is involved |
3720 | the handling of digits following a backslash. | and the subpattern to the right has participated in an earlier itera- |
3721 | tion. | |
3722 | ||
3723 | A back reference matches whatever actually matched the capturing sub- | It is not possible to have a numerical "forward back reference" to a |
3724 | pattern in the current subject string, rather than anything matching | subpattern whose number is 10 or more using this syntax because a |
3725 | sequence such as \50 is interpreted as a character defined in octal. | |
3726 | See the subsection entitled "Non-printing characters" above for further | |
3727 | details of the handling of digits following a backslash. There is no | |
3728 | such problem when named parentheses are used. A back reference to any | |
3729 | subpattern is possible using named parentheses (see below). | |
3730 | ||
3731 | Another way of avoiding the ambiguity inherent in the use of digits | |
3732 | following a backslash is to use the \g escape sequence, which is a fea- | |
3733 | ture introduced in Perl 5.10. This escape must be followed by a posi- | |
3734 | tive or a negative number, optionally enclosed in braces. These exam- | |
3735 | ples are all identical: | |
3736 | ||
3737 | (ring), \1 | |
3738 | (ring), \g1 | |
3739 | (ring), \g{1} | |
3740 | ||
3741 | A positive number specifies an absolute reference without the ambiguity | |
3742 | that is present in the older syntax. It is also useful when literal | |
3743 | digits follow the reference. A negative number is a relative reference. | |
3744 | Consider this example: | |
3745 | ||
3746 | (abc(def)ghi)\g{-1} | |
3747 | ||
3748 | The sequence \g{-1} is a reference to the most recently started captur- | |
3749 | ing subpattern before \g, that is, is it equivalent to \2. Similarly, | |
3750 | \g{-2} would be equivalent to \1. The use of relative references can be | |
3751 | helpful in long patterns, and also in patterns that are created by | |
3752 | joining together fragments that contain references within themselves. | |
3753 | ||
3754 | A back reference matches whatever actually matched the capturing sub- | |
3755 | pattern in the current subject string, rather than anything matching | |
3756 | the subpattern itself (see "Subpatterns as subroutines" below for a way | the subpattern itself (see "Subpatterns as subroutines" below for a way |
3757 | of doing that). So the pattern | of doing that). So the pattern |
3758 | ||
3759 | (sens|respons)e and \1ibility | (sens|respons)e and \1ibility |
3760 | ||
3761 | matches "sense and sensibility" and "response and responsibility", but | matches "sense and sensibility" and "response and responsibility", but |
3762 | not "sense and responsibility". If caseful matching is in force at the | not "sense and responsibility". If caseful matching is in force at the |
3763 | time of the back reference, the case of letters is relevant. For exam- | time of the back reference, the case of letters is relevant. For exam- |
3764 | ple, | ple, |
3765 | ||
3766 | ((?i)rah)\s+\1 | ((?i)rah)\s+\1 |
3767 | ||
3768 | matches "rah rah" and "RAH RAH", but not "RAH rah", even though the | matches "rah rah" and "RAH RAH", but not "RAH rah", even though the |
3769 | original capturing subpattern is matched caselessly. | original capturing subpattern is matched caselessly. |
3770 | ||
3771 | Back references to named subpatterns use the Python syntax (?P=name). | Back references to named subpatterns use the Perl syntax \k<name> or |
3772 | We could rewrite the above example as follows: | \k'name' or the Python syntax (?P=name). We could rewrite the above |
3773 | example in either of the following ways: | |
3774 | ||
3775 | (?<p1>(?i)rah)\s+\k<p1> | |
3776 | (?P<p1>(?i)rah)\s+(?P=p1) | |
3777 | ||
3778 | (?<p1>(?i)rah)\s+(?P=p1) | A subpattern that is referenced by name may appear in the pattern |
3779 | before or after the reference. | |
3780 | ||
3781 | There may be more than one back reference to the same subpattern. If a | There may be more than one back reference to the same subpattern. If a |
3782 | subpattern has not actually been used in a particular match, any back | subpattern has not actually been used in a particular match, any back |
3783 | references to it always fail. For example, the pattern | references to it always fail. For example, the pattern |
3784 | ||
3785 | (a|(bc))\2 | (a|(bc))\2 |
3786 | ||
3787 | always fails if it starts to match "a" rather than "bc". Because there | always fails if it starts to match "a" rather than "bc". Because there |
3788 | may be many capturing parentheses in a pattern, all digits following | may be many capturing parentheses in a pattern, all digits following |
3789 | the backslash are taken as part of a potential back reference number. | the backslash are taken as part of a potential back reference number. |
3790 | If the pattern continues with a digit character, some delimiter must be | If the pattern continues with a digit character, some delimiter must be |
3791 | used to terminate the back reference. If the PCRE_EXTENDED option is | used to terminate the back reference. If the PCRE_EXTENDED option is |
3792 | set, this can be whitespace. Otherwise an empty comment (see "Com- | set, this can be whitespace. Otherwise an empty comment (see "Com- |
3793 | ments" below) can be used. | ments" below) can be used. |
3794 | ||
3795 | A back reference that occurs inside the parentheses to which it refers | A back reference that occurs inside the parentheses to which it refers |
3796 | fails when the subpattern is first used, so, for example, (a\1) never | fails when the subpattern is first used, so, for example, (a\1) never |
3797 | matches. However, such references can be useful inside repeated sub- | matches. However, such references can be useful inside repeated sub- |
3798 | patterns. For example, the pattern | patterns. For example, the pattern |
3799 | ||
3800 | (a|b\1)+ | (a|b\1)+ |
3801 | ||
3802 | matches any number of "a"s and also "aba", "ababbaa" etc. At each iter- | matches any number of "a"s and also "aba", "ababbaa" etc. At each iter- |
3803 | ation of the subpattern, the back reference matches the character | ation of the subpattern, the back reference matches the character |
3804 | string corresponding to the previous iteration. In order for this to | string corresponding to the previous iteration. In order for this to |
3805 | work, the pattern must be such that the first iteration does not need | work, the pattern must be such that the first iteration does not need |
3806 | to match the back reference. This can be done using alternation, as in | to match the back reference. This can be done using alternation, as in |
3807 | the example above, or by a quantifier with a minimum of zero. | the example above, or by a quantifier with a minimum of zero. |
3808 | ||
3809 | ||
3810 | ASSERTIONS | ASSERTIONS |
3811 | ||
3812 | An assertion is a test on the characters following or preceding the | An assertion is a test on the characters following or preceding the |
3813 | current matching point that does not actually consume any characters. | current matching point that does not actually consume any characters. |
3814 | The simple assertions coded as \b, \B, \A, \G, \Z, \z, ^ and $ are | The simple assertions coded as \b, \B, \A, \G, \Z, \z, ^ and $ are |
3815 | described above. | described above. |
3816 | ||
3817 | More complicated assertions are coded as subpatterns. There are two | More complicated assertions are coded as subpatterns. There are two |
3818 | kinds: those that look ahead of the current position in the subject | kinds: those that look ahead of the current position in the subject |
3819 | string, and those that look behind it. An assertion subpattern is | string, and those that look behind it. An assertion subpattern is |
3820 | matched in the normal way, except that it does not cause the current | matched in the normal way, except that it does not cause the current |
3821 | matching position to be changed. | matching position to be changed. |
3822 | ||
3823 | Assertion subpatterns are not capturing subpatterns, and may not be | Assertion subpatterns are not capturing subpatterns, and may not be |
3824 | repeated, because it makes no sense to assert the same thing several | repeated, because it makes no sense to assert the same thing several |
3825 | times. If any kind of assertion contains capturing subpatterns within | times. If any kind of assertion contains capturing subpatterns within |
3826 | it, these are counted for the purposes of numbering the capturing sub- | it, these are counted for the purposes of numbering the capturing sub- |
3827 | patterns in the whole pattern. However, substring capturing is carried | patterns in the whole pattern. However, substring capturing is carried |
3828 | out only for positive assertions, because it does not make sense for | out only for positive assertions, because it does not make sense for |
3829 | negative assertions. | negative assertions. |
3830 | ||
3831 | Lookahead assertions | Lookahead assertions |
# | Line 3408 ASSERTIONS | Line 3835 ASSERTIONS |
3835 | ||
3836 | \w+(?=;) | \w+(?=;) |
3837 | ||
3838 | matches a word followed by a semicolon, but does not include the semi- | matches a word followed by a semicolon, but does not include the semi- |
3839 | colon in the match, and | colon in the match, and |
3840 | ||
3841 | foo(?!bar) | foo(?!bar) |
3842 | ||
3843 | matches any occurrence of "foo" that is not followed by "bar". Note | matches any occurrence of "foo" that is not followed by "bar". Note |
3844 | that the apparently similar pattern | that the apparently similar pattern |
3845 | ||
3846 | (?!foo)bar | (?!foo)bar |
3847 | ||
3848 | does not find an occurrence of "bar" that is preceded by something | does not find an occurrence of "bar" that is preceded by something |
3849 | other than "foo"; it finds any occurrence of "bar" whatsoever, because | other than "foo"; it finds any occurrence of "bar" whatsoever, because |
3850 | the assertion (?!foo) is always true when the next three characters are | the assertion (?!foo) is always true when the next three characters are |
3851 | "bar". A lookbehind assertion is needed to achieve the other effect. | "bar". A lookbehind assertion is needed to achieve the other effect. |
3852 | ||
3853 | If you want to force a matching failure at some point in a pattern, the | If you want to force a matching failure at some point in a pattern, the |
3854 | most convenient way to do it is with (?!) because an empty string | most convenient way to do it is with (?!) because an empty string |
3855 | always matches, so an assertion that requires there not to be an empty | always matches, so an assertion that requires there not to be an empty |
3856 | string must always fail. | string must always fail. |
3857 | ||
3858 | Lookbehind assertions | Lookbehind assertions |
3859 | ||
3860 | Lookbehind assertions start with (?<= for positive assertions and (?<! | Lookbehind assertions start with (?<= for positive assertions and (?<! |
3861 | for negative assertions. For example, | for negative assertions. For example, |
3862 | ||
3863 | (?<!foo)bar | (?<!foo)bar |
3864 | ||
3865 | does find an occurrence of "bar" that is not preceded by "foo". The | does find an occurrence of "bar" that is not preceded by "foo". The |
3866 | contents of a lookbehind assertion are restricted such that all the | contents of a lookbehind assertion are restricted such that all the |
3867 | strings it matches must have a fixed length. However, if there are sev- | strings it matches must have a fixed length. However, if there are sev- |
3868 | eral alternatives, they do not all have to have the same fixed length. | eral top-level alternatives, they do not all have to have the same |
3869 | Thus | fixed length. Thus |
3870 | ||
3871 | (?<=bullock|donkey) | (?<=bullock|donkey) |
3872 | ||
# | Line 3447 ASSERTIONS | Line 3874 ASSERTIONS |
3874 | ||
3875 | (?<!dogs?|cats?) | (?<!dogs?|cats?) |
3876 | ||
3877 | causes an error at compile time. Branches that match different length | causes an error at compile time. Branches that match different length |
3878 | strings are permitted only at the top level of a lookbehind assertion. | strings are permitted only at the top level of a lookbehind assertion. |
3879 | This is an extension compared with Perl (at least for 5.8), which | This is an extension compared with Perl (at least for 5.8), which |
3880 | requires all branches to match the same length of string. An assertion | requires all branches to match the same length of string. An assertion |
3881 | such as | such as |
3882 | ||
3883 | (?<=ab(c|de)) | (?<=ab(c|de)) |
3884 | ||
3885 | is not permitted, because its single top-level branch can match two | is not permitted, because its single top-level branch can match two |
3886 | different lengths, but it is acceptable if rewritten to use two top- | different lengths, but it is acceptable if rewritten to use two top- |
3887 | level branches: | level branches: |
3888 | ||
3889 | (?<=abc|abde) | (?<=abc|abde) |
3890 | ||
3891 | The implementation of lookbehind assertions is, for each alternative, | The implementation of lookbehind assertions is, for each alternative, |
3892 | to temporarily move the current position back by the fixed width and | to temporarily move the current position back by the fixed length and |
3893 | then try to match. If there are insufficient characters before the cur- | then try to match. If there are insufficient characters before the cur- |
3894 | rent position, the match is deemed to fail. | rent position, the assertion fails. |
3895 | ||
3896 | PCRE does not allow the \C escape (which matches a single byte in UTF-8 | PCRE does not allow the \C escape (which matches a single byte in UTF-8 |
3897 | mode) to appear in lookbehind assertions, because it makes it impossi- | mode) to appear in lookbehind assertions, because it makes it impossi- |
3898 | ble to calculate the length of the lookbehind. The \X escape, which can | ble to calculate the length of the lookbehind. The \X and \R escapes, |
3899 | match different numbers of bytes, is also not permitted. | which can match different numbers of bytes, are also not permitted. |
3900 | ||
3901 | Atomic groups can be used in conjunction with lookbehind assertions to | Possessive quantifiers can be used in conjunction with lookbehind |
3902 | specify efficient matching at the end of the subject string. Consider a | assertions to specify efficient matching at the end of the subject |
3903 | simple pattern such as | string. Consider a simple pattern such as |
3904 | ||
3905 | abcd$ | abcd$ |
3906 | ||
3907 | when applied to a long string that does not match. Because matching | when applied to a long string that does not match. Because matching |
3908 | proceeds from left to right, PCRE will look for each "a" in the subject | proceeds from left to right, PCRE will look for each "a" in the subject |
3909 | and then see if what follows matches the rest of the pattern. If the | and then see if what follows matches the rest of the pattern. If the |
3910 | pattern is specified as | pattern is specified as |
3911 | ||
3912 | ^.*abcd$ | ^.*abcd$ |
3913 | ||
3914 | the initial .* matches the entire string at first, but when this fails | the initial .* matches the entire string at first, but when this fails |
3915 | (because there is no following "a"), it backtracks to match all but the | (because there is no following "a"), it backtracks to match all but the |
3916 | last character, then all but the last two characters, and so on. Once | last character, then all but the last two characters, and so on. Once |
3917 | again the search for "a" covers the entire string, from right to left, | again the search for "a" covers the entire string, from right to left, |
3918 | so we are no better off. However, if the pattern is written as | so we are no better off. However, if the pattern is written as |
3919 | ||
^(?>.*)(?<=abcd) | ||
or, equivalently, using the possessive quantifier syntax, | ||
3920 | ^.*+(?<=abcd) | ^.*+(?<=abcd) |
3921 | ||
3922 | there can be no backtracking for the .* item; it can match only the | there can be no backtracking for the .*+ item; it can match only the |
3923 | entire string. The subsequent lookbehind assertion does a single test | entire string. The subsequent lookbehind assertion does a single test |
3924 | on the last four characters. If it fails, the match fails immediately. | on the last four characters. If it fails, the match fails immediately. |
3925 | For long strings, this approach makes a significant difference to the | For long strings, this approach makes a significant difference to the |
3926 | processing time. | processing time. |
3927 | ||
3928 | Using multiple assertions | Using multiple assertions |
# | Line 3508 ASSERTIONS | Line 3931 ASSERTIONS |
3931 | ||
3932 | (?<=\d{3})(?<!999)foo | (?<=\d{3})(?<!999)foo |
3933 | ||
3934 | matches "foo" preceded by three digits that are not "999". Notice that | matches "foo" preceded by three digits that are not "999". Notice that |
3935 | each of the assertions is applied independently at the same point in | each of the assertions is applied independently at the same point in |
3936 | the subject string. First there is a check that the previous three | the subject string. First there is a check that the previous three |
3937 | characters are all digits, and then there is a check that the same | characters are all digits, and then there is a check that the same |
3938 | three characters are not "999". This pattern does not match "foo" pre- | three characters are not "999". This pattern does not match "foo" pre- |
3939 | ceded by six characters, the first of which are digits and the last | ceded by six characters, the first of which are digits and the last |
3940 | three of which are not "999". For example, it doesn't match "123abc- | three of which are not "999". For example, it doesn't match "123abc- |
3941 | foo". A pattern to do that is | foo". A pattern to do that is |
3942 | ||
3943 | (?<=\d{3}...)(?<!999)foo | (?<=\d{3}...)(?<!999)foo |
3944 | ||
3945 | This time the first assertion looks at the preceding six characters, | This time the first assertion looks at the preceding six characters, |
3946 | checking that the first three are digits, and then the second assertion | checking that the first three are digits, and then the second assertion |
3947 | checks that the preceding three characters are not "999". | checks that the preceding three characters are not "999". |
3948 | ||
# | Line 3527 ASSERTIONS | Line 3950 ASSERTIONS |
3950 | ||
3951 | (?<=(?<!foo)bar)baz | (?<=(?<!foo)bar)baz |
3952 | ||
3953 | matches an occurrence of "baz" that is preceded by "bar" which in turn | matches an occurrence of "baz" that is preceded by "bar" which in turn |
3954 | is not preceded by "foo", while | is not preceded by "foo", while |
3955 | ||
3956 | (?<=\d{3}(?!999)...)foo | (?<=\d{3}(?!999)...)foo |
3957 | ||
3958 | is another pattern that matches "foo" preceded by three digits and any | is another pattern that matches "foo" preceded by three digits and any |
3959 | three characters that are not "999". | three characters that are not "999". |
3960 | ||
3961 | ||
3962 | CONDITIONAL SUBPATTERNS | CONDITIONAL SUBPATTERNS |
3963 | ||
3964 | It is possible to cause the matching process to obey a subpattern con- | It is possible to cause the matching process to obey a subpattern con- |
3965 | ditionally or to choose between two alternative subpatterns, depending | ditionally or to choose between two alternative subpatterns, depending |
3966 | on the result of an assertion, or whether a previous capturing subpat- | on the result of an assertion, or whether a previous capturing subpat- |
3967 | tern matched or not. The two possible forms of conditional subpattern | tern matched or not. The two possible forms of conditional subpattern |
3968 | are | are |
3969 | ||
3970 | (?(condition)yes-pattern) | (?(condition)yes-pattern) |
3971 | (?(condition)yes-pattern|no-pattern) | (?(condition)yes-pattern|no-pattern) |
3972 | ||
3973 | If the condition is satisfied, the yes-pattern is used; otherwise the | If the condition is satisfied, the yes-pattern is used; otherwise the |
3974 | no-pattern (if present) is used. If there are more than two alterna- | no-pattern (if present) is used. If there are more than two alterna- |
3975 | tives in the subpattern, a compile-time error occurs. | tives in the subpattern, a compile-time error occurs. |
3976 | ||
3977 | There are three kinds of condition. If the text between the parentheses | There are four kinds of condition: references to subpatterns, refer- |
3978 | consists of a sequence of digits, the condition is satisfied if the | ences to recursion, a pseudo-condition called DEFINE, and assertions. |
3979 | capturing subpattern of that number has previously matched. The number | |
3980 | must be greater than zero. Consider the following pattern, which con- | Checking for a used subpattern by number |
3981 | tains non-significant white space to make it more readable (assume the | |
3982 | PCRE_EXTENDED option) and to divide it into three parts for ease of | If the text between the parentheses consists of a sequence of digits, |
3983 | discussion: | the condition is true if the capturing subpattern of that number has |
3984 | previously matched. | |
3985 | ||
3986 | Consider the following pattern, which contains non-significant white | |
3987 | space to make it more readable (assume the PCRE_EXTENDED option) and to | |
3988 | divide it into three parts for ease of discussion: | |
3989 | ||
3990 | ( \( )? [^()]+ (?(1) \) ) | ( \( )? [^()]+ (?(1) \) ) |
3991 | ||
# | Line 3572 CONDITIONAL SUBPATTERNS | Line 4000 CONDITIONAL SUBPATTERNS |
4000 | other words, this pattern matches a sequence of non-parentheses, | other words, this pattern matches a sequence of non-parentheses, |
4001 | optionally enclosed in parentheses. | optionally enclosed in parentheses. |
4002 | ||
4003 | If the condition is the string (R), it is satisfied if a recursive call | Checking for a used subpattern by name |
4004 | to the pattern or subpattern has been made. At "top level", the condi- | |
4005 | tion is false. This is a PCRE extension. Recursive patterns are | Perl uses the syntax (?(<name>)...) or (?('name')...) to test for a |
4006 | described in the next section. | used subpattern by name. For compatibility with earlier versions of |
4007 | PCRE, which had this facility before Perl, the syntax (?(name)...) is | |
4008 | also recognized. However, there is a possible ambiguity with this syn- | |
4009 | tax, because subpattern names may consist entirely of digits. PCRE | |
4010 | looks first for a named subpattern; if it cannot find one and the name | |
4011 | consists entirely of digits, PCRE looks for a subpattern of that num- | |
4012 | ber, which must be greater than zero. Using subpattern names that con- | |
4013 | sist entirely of digits is not recommended. | |
4014 | ||
4015 | Rewriting the above example to use a named subpattern gives this: | |
4016 | ||
4017 | (?<OPEN> \( )? [^()]+ (?(<OPEN>) \) ) | |
4018 | ||
4019 | ||
4020 | Checking for pattern recursion | |
4021 | ||
4022 | If the condition is not a sequence of digits or (R), it must be an | If the condition is the string (R), and there is no subpattern with the |
4023 | name R, the condition is true if a recursive call to the whole pattern | |
4024 | or any subpattern has been made. If digits or a name preceded by amper- | |
4025 | sand follow the letter R, for example: | |
4026 | ||
4027 | (?(R3)...) or (?(R&name)...) | |
4028 | ||
4029 | the condition is true if the most recent recursion is into the subpat- | |
4030 | tern whose number or name is given. This condition does not check the | |
4031 | entire recursion stack. | |
4032 | ||
4033 | At "top level", all these recursion test conditions are false. Recur- | |
4034 | sive patterns are described below. | |
4035 | ||
4036 | Defining subpatterns for use by reference only | |
4037 | ||
4038 | If the condition is the string (DEFINE), and there is no subpattern | |
4039 | with the name DEFINE, the condition is always false. In this case, | |
4040 | there may be only one alternative in the subpattern. It is always | |
4041 | skipped if control reaches this point in the pattern; the idea of | |
4042 | DEFINE is that it can be used to define "subroutines" that can be ref- | |
4043 | erenced from elsewhere. (The use of "subroutines" is described below.) | |
4044 | For example, a pattern to match an IPv4 address could be written like | |
4045 | this (ignore whitespace and line breaks): | |
4046 | ||
4047 | (?(DEFINE) (?<byte> 2[0-4]\d | 25[0-5] | 1\d\d | [1-9]?\d) ) | |
4048 | \b (?&byte) (\.(?&byte)){3} \b | |
4049 | ||
4050 | The first part of the pattern is a DEFINE group inside which a another | |
4051 | group named "byte" is defined. This matches an individual component of | |
4052 | an IPv4 address (a number less than 256). When matching takes place, | |
4053 | this part of the pattern is skipped because DEFINE acts like a false | |
4054 | condition. | |
4055 | ||
4056 | The rest of the pattern uses references to the named group to match the | |
4057 | four dot-separated components of an IPv4 address, insisting on a word | |
4058 | boundary at each end. | |
4059 | ||
4060 | Assertion conditions | |
4061 | ||
4062 | If the condition is not in any of the above formats, it must be an | |
4063 | assertion. This may be a positive or negative lookahead or lookbehind | assertion. This may be a positive or negative lookahead or lookbehind |
4064 | assertion. Consider this pattern, again containing non-significant | assertion. Consider this pattern, again containing non-significant |
4065 | white space, and with the two alternatives on the second line: | white space, and with the two alternatives on the second line: |
# | Line 3602 COMMENTS | Line 4084 COMMENTS |
4084 | at all. | at all. |
4085 | ||
4086 | If the PCRE_EXTENDED option is set, an unescaped # character outside a | If the PCRE_EXTENDED option is set, an unescaped # character outside a |
4087 | character class introduces a comment that continues up to the next new- | character class introduces a comment that continues to immediately |
4088 | line character in the pattern. | after the next newline in the pattern. |
4089 | ||
4090 | ||
4091 | RECURSIVE PATTERNS | RECURSIVE PATTERNS |
# | Line 3612 RECURSIVE PATTERNS | Line 4094 RECURSIVE PATTERNS |
4094 | unlimited nested parentheses. Without the use of recursion, the best | unlimited nested parentheses. Without the use of recursion, the best |
4095 | that can be done is to use a pattern that matches up to some fixed | that can be done is to use a pattern that matches up to some fixed |
4096 | depth of nesting. It is not possible to handle an arbitrary nesting | depth of nesting. It is not possible to handle an arbitrary nesting |
4097 | depth. Perl provides a facility that allows regular expressions to | depth. |
4098 | recurse (amongst other things). It does this by interpolating Perl code | |
4099 | in the expression at run time, and the code can refer to the expression | For some time, Perl has provided a facility that allows regular expres- |
4100 | itself. A Perl pattern to solve the parentheses problem can be created | sions to recurse (amongst other things). It does this by interpolating |
4101 | like this: | Perl code in the expression at run time, and the code can refer to the |
4102 | expression itself. A Perl pattern using code interpolation to solve the | |
4103 | parentheses problem can be created like this: | |
4104 | ||
4105 | $re = qr{\( (?: (?>[^()]+) | (?p{$re}) )* \)}x; | $re = qr{\( (?: (?>[^()]+) | (?p{$re}) )* \)}x; |
4106 | ||
4107 | The (?p{...}) item interpolates Perl code at run time, and in this case | The (?p{...}) item interpolates Perl code at run time, and in this case |
4108 | refers recursively to the pattern in which it appears. Obviously, PCRE | refers recursively to the pattern in which it appears. |
cannot support the interpolation of Perl code. Instead, it supports | ||
some special syntax for recursion of the entire pattern, and also for | ||
individual subpattern recursion. | ||
4109 | ||
4110 | The special item that consists of (? followed by a number greater than | Obviously, PCRE cannot support the interpolation of Perl code. Instead, |
4111 | it supports special syntax for recursion of the entire pattern, and | |
4112 | also for individual subpattern recursion. After its introduction in | |
4113 | PCRE and Python, this kind of recursion was introduced into Perl at | |
4114 | release 5.10. | |
4115 | ||
4116 | A special item that consists of (? followed by a number greater than | |
4117 | zero and a closing parenthesis is a recursive call of the subpattern of | zero and a closing parenthesis is a recursive call of the subpattern of |
4118 | the given number, provided that it occurs inside that subpattern. (If | the given number, provided that it occurs inside that subpattern. (If |
4119 | not, it is a "subroutine" call, which is described in the next sec- | not, it is a "subroutine" call, which is described in the next sec- |
4120 | tion.) The special item (?R) is a recursive call of the entire regular | tion.) The special item (?R) or (?0) is a recursive call of the entire |
4121 | expression. | regular expression. |
4122 | ||
4123 | In PCRE (like Python, but unlike Perl), a recursive subpattern call is | |
4124 | always treated as an atomic group. That is, once it has matched some of | |
4125 | the subject string, it is never re-entered, even if it contains untried | |
4126 | alternatives and there is a subsequent matching failure. | |
4127 | ||
4128 | For example, this PCRE pattern solves the nested parentheses problem | This PCRE pattern solves the nested parentheses problem (assume the |
4129 | (assume the PCRE_EXTENDED option is set so that white space is | PCRE_EXTENDED option is set so that white space is ignored): |
ignored): | ||
4130 | ||
4131 | \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?R) )* \) | \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?R) )* \) |
4132 | ||
4133 | First it matches an opening parenthesis. Then it matches any number of | First it matches an opening parenthesis. Then it matches any number of |
4134 | substrings which can either be a sequence of non-parentheses, or a | substrings which can either be a sequence of non-parentheses, or a |
4135 | recursive match of the pattern itself (that is a correctly parenthe- | recursive match of the pattern itself (that is, a correctly parenthe- |
4136 | sized substring). Finally there is a closing parenthesis. | sized substring). Finally there is a closing parenthesis. |
4137 | ||
4138 | If this were part of a larger pattern, you would not want to recurse | If this were part of a larger pattern, you would not want to recurse |
4139 | the entire pattern, so instead you could use this: | the entire pattern, so instead you could use this: |
4140 | ||
4141 | ( \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?1) )* \) ) | ( \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?1) )* \) ) |
4142 | ||
4143 | We have put the pattern into parentheses, and caused the recursion to | We have put the pattern into parentheses, and caused the recursion to |
4144 | refer to them instead of the whole pattern. In a larger pattern, keep- | refer to them instead of the whole pattern. In a larger pattern, keep- |
4145 | ing track of parenthesis numbers can be tricky. It may be more conve- | ing track of parenthesis numbers can be tricky. It may be more conve- |
4146 | nient to use named parentheses instead. For this, PCRE uses (?P>name), | nient to use named parentheses instead. The Perl syntax for this is |
4147 | which is an extension to the Python syntax that PCRE uses for named | (?&name); PCRE's earlier syntax (?P>name) is also supported. We could |
4148 | parentheses (Perl does not provide named parentheses). We could rewrite | rewrite the above example as follows: |
4149 | the above example as follows: | |
4150 | (?<pn> \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?&pn) )* \) ) | |
4151 | (?P<pn> \( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?P>pn) )* \) ) | |
4152 | If there is more than one subpattern with the same name, the earliest | |
4153 | This particular example pattern contains nested unlimited repeats, and | one is used. This particular example pattern contains nested unlimited |
4154 | so the use of atomic grouping for matching strings of non-parentheses | repeats, and so the use of atomic grouping for matching strings of non- |
4155 | is important when applying the pattern to strings that do not match. | parentheses is important when applying the pattern to strings that do |
4156 | For example, when this pattern is applied to | not match. For example, when this pattern is applied to |
4157 | ||
4158 | (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa() | (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa() |
4159 | ||
4160 | it yields "no match" quickly. However, if atomic grouping is not used, | it yields "no match" quickly. However, if atomic grouping is not used, |
4161 | the match runs for a very long time indeed because there are so many | the match runs for a very long time indeed because there are so many |
4162 | different ways the + and * repeats can carve up the subject, and all | different ways the + and * repeats can carve up the subject, and all |
4163 | have to be tested before failure can be reported. | have to be tested before failure can be reported. |
4164 | ||
4165 | At the end of a match, the values set for any capturing subpatterns are | At the end of a match, the values set for any capturing subpatterns are |
4166 | those from the outermost level of the recursion at which the subpattern | those from the outermost level of the recursion at which the subpattern |
4167 | value is set. If you want to obtain intermediate values, a callout | value is set. If you want to obtain intermediate values, a callout |
4168 | function can be used (see the next section and the pcrecallout documen- | function can be used (see below and the pcrecallout documentation). If |
4169 | tation). If the pattern above is matched against | the pattern above is matched against |
4170 | ||
4171 | (ab(cd)ef) | (ab(cd)ef) |
4172 | ||
4173 | the value for the capturing parentheses is "ef", which is the last | the value for the capturing parentheses is "ef", which is the last |
4174 | value taken on at the top level. If additional parentheses are added, | value taken on at the top level. If additional parentheses are added, |
4175 | giving | giving |
4176 | ||
4177 | \( ( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?R) )* ) \) | \( ( ( (?>[^()]+) | (?R) )* ) \) |
4178 | ^ ^ | ^ ^ |
4179 | ^ ^ | ^ ^ |
4180 | ||
4181 | the string they capture is "ab(cd)ef", the contents of the top level | the string they capture is "ab(cd)ef", the contents of the top level |
4182 | parentheses. If there are more than 15 capturing parentheses in a pat- | parentheses. If there are more than 15 capturing parentheses in a pat- |
4183 | tern, PCRE has to obtain extra memory to store data during a recursion, | tern, PCRE has to obtain extra memory to store data during a recursion, |
4184 | which it does by using pcre_malloc, freeing it via pcre_free after- | which it does by using pcre_malloc, freeing it via pcre_free after- |
4185 | wards. If no memory can be obtained, the match fails with the | wards. If no memory can be obtained, the match fails with the |
4186 | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY error. | PCRE_ERROR_NOMEMORY error. |
4187 | ||
4188 | Do not confuse the (?R) item with the condition (R), which tests for | Do not confuse the (?R) item with the condition (R), which tests for |
4189 | recursion. Consider this pattern, which matches text in angle brack- | recursion. Consider this pattern, which matches text in angle brack- |
4190 | ets, allowing for arbitrary nesting. Only digits are allowed in nested | ets, allowing for arbitrary nesting. Only digits are allowed in nested |
4191 | brackets (that is, when recursing), whereas any characters are permit- | brackets (that is, when recursing), whereas any characters are permit- |
4192 | ted at the outer level. | ted at the outer level. |
4193 | ||
4194 | < (?: (?(R) \d++ | [^<>]*+) | (?R)) * > | < (?: (?(R) \d++ | [^<>]*+) | (?R)) * > |
4195 | ||
4196 | In this pattern, (?(R) is the start of a conditional subpattern, with | In this pattern, (?(R) is the start of a conditional subpattern, with |
4197 | two different alternatives for the recursive and non-recursive cases. | two different alternatives for the recursive and non-recursive cases. |
4198 | The (?R) item is the actual recursive call. | The (?R) item is the actual recursive call. |
4199 | ||
4200 | ||
4201 | SUBPATTERNS AS SUBROUTINES | SUBPATTERNS AS SUBROUTINES |
4202 | ||
4203 | If the syntax for a recursive subpattern reference (either by number or | If the syntax for a recursive subpattern reference (either by number or |
4204 | by name) is used outside the parentheses to which it refers, it oper- | by name) is used outside the parentheses to which it refers, it oper- |
4205 | ates like a subroutine in a programming language. An earlier example | ates like a subroutine in a programming language. The "called" subpat- |
4206 | tern may be defined before or after the reference. An earlier example | |
4207 | pointed out that the pattern | pointed out that the pattern |
4208 | ||
4209 | (sens|respons)e and \1ibility | (sens|respons)e and \1ibility |
# | Line 3722 SUBPATTERNS AS SUBROUTINES | Line 4214 SUBPATTERNS AS SUBROUTINES |
4214 | (sens|respons)e and (?1)ibility | (sens|respons)e and (?1)ibility |
4215 | ||
4216 | is used, it does match "sense and responsibility" as well as the other | is used, it does match "sense and responsibility" as well as the other |
4217 | two strings. Such references must, however, follow the subpattern to | two strings. Another example is given in the discussion of DEFINE |
4218 | which they refer. | above. |
4219 | ||
4220 | Like recursive subpatterns, a "subroutine" call is always treated as an | |
4221 | atomic group. That is, once it has matched some of the subject string, | |
4222 | it is never re-entered, even if it contains untried alternatives and | |
4223 | there is a subsequent matching failure. | |
4224 | ||
4225 | When a subpattern is used as a subroutine, processing options such as | |
4226 | case-independence are fixed when the subpattern is defined. They cannot | |
4227 | be changed for different calls. For example, consider this pattern: | |
4228 | ||
4229 | (abc)(?i:(?1)) | |
4230 | ||
4231 | It matches "abcabc". It does not match "abcABC" because the change of | |
4232 | processing option does not affect the called subpattern. | |
4233 | ||
4234 | ||
4235 | CALLOUTS | CALLOUTS |
# | Line 3760 CALLOUTS | Line 4266 CALLOUTS |
4266 | gether. A complete description of the interface to the callout function | gether. A complete description of the interface to the callout function |
4267 | is given in the pcrecallout documentation. | is given in the pcrecallout documentation. |
4268 | ||
4269 | Last updated: 28 February 2005 | |
4270 | Copyright (c) 1997-2005 University of Cambridge. | SEE ALSO |