Easy Regular Expression Builder

Regex Tree and Regex Building Blocks

If you have written regular expressions before, you know that the regex syntax can be hard to keep track of. Certainly when writing a regex pattern that uses plenty of grouping and alternation.

RegexBuddy's regex building blocks make it much easier to define regular expressions. Instead of typing in regex tokens directly, just pick what you want from a descriptive menu. Use RegexBuddy's neatly organized tree of regex tokens to keep track of the pattern you have built so far. Collapse grouping tokens (with green icons) to get a clear overview of complex regular expressions.

If you are already familiar with the regex syntax, you can edit the regexp directly. RegexBuddy updates its regex tree as you type, and highlights the token that the text cursor points at. That way you can easily keep track of what you are doing, without losing the speed of directly typing in the regex pattern.

When the brief descriptions are not clear enough, just click the Explain Token button to access RegexBuddy's detailed regular expression tutorial. You will find answers to all your questions there. (At least, those questions concerning regular expressions.)

With RegexBuddy you can quickly and easily create and edit regular expressions. Mix manipulating RegexBuddy's building blocks and directly editing the regex pattern to suit your own skill and style. Rely on RegexBuddy as you rely on a buddy or coach to assist you.

Once you created a regular expression, test it on sample data, store it for later reuse, and send it to the application you are working with.

Regex Tree and Building Blocks Example

Here is a regular expression matching a date in dd/mm/yyyy format. If your browser supports JavaScript, the corresponding regex token and regex building block will be highlighted when you move the mouse pointer over the regexp or the tree.

You can document your own regular expressions in the same way. Just click the Export button in RegexBuddy, and select the HTML format.

(0?[1-9]|[12][0-9]|3[01])[- /.](0?[1-9]|1[012])[- /.](19|20)?\d\d

Match the regular expression below and capture its match into backreference 1

Match either the regular expression below (attempting the next alternative only if this one fails)
- Match the character "0" literally
  - Between zero and one times, as many times as possible, giving back as needed (greedy)
- Match a single character out of the list: in the range between 1 and 9
Or match regular expression number 2 below (attempting the next alternative only if this one fails)
- Match a single character out of the list: one of the characters "12"
- Match a single character out of the list: in the range between 0 and 9
Or match regular expression number 3 below (the entire group fails if this one fails to match)
- Match the character "3" literally
- Match a single character out of the list: one of the characters "01"

Match a single character out of the list: one of the characters "- /."

Match the regular expression below and capture its match into backreference 2

Match either the regular expression below (attempting the next alternative only if this one fails)
- Match the character "0" literally
  - Between zero and one times, as many times as possible, giving back as needed (greedy)
- Match a single character out of the list: in the range between 1 and 9
Or match regular expression number 2 below (the entire group fails if this one fails to match)
- Match the character "1" literally
- Match a single character out of the list: one of the characters "012"

Match a single character out of the list: one of the characters "- /."

Match the regular expression below and capture its match into backreference 3

Between zero and one times, as many times as possible, giving back as needed (greedy)
Match either the regular expression below (attempting the next alternative only if this one fails)
- Match the characters "19" literally
Or match regular expression number 2 below (the entire group fails if this one fails to match)
- Match the characters "20" literally

Match a single digit 0..9

"I bought RegexBuddy a few months ago, being a bit reluctant about creating those complex regex queries.

"I have to say that I am truly amazed by the program. I now solve complex tasks fairly quickly with it. It definitely delivers what it promises and makes regex as easy as it can be. I use it almost on a daily basis now and it makes my life as a PHP programmer much easier."

-- Joris Vincken
24 September 2006, The Netherlands

Easily Create or Build Regular Expression Patterns with The RegexBuddy Regex Builder

Regex Tree and Regex Building Blocks

Regex Tree and Building Blocks Example

Let RegexBuddy Make Regex Easy for You