Converting a JavaScript array of strings into a regular expression literal

Question

Converting a JavaScript array of strings into a regular expression literal

Here is a live example you can check out: http://jsfiddle.net/R7KuK/

In an attempt to create an array of full regular expressions with regex delimiters and set flags, I've noticed that the RegExp object is interpreting given strings as strings rather than regular expressions.

  var regex = "/wolves/i"

as opposed to

  var regex = /wolves/i

So, my main question is: How can I convert string-based regular expressions into actual regular expressions?

UPDATE: Thanks to the explanation provided by Felix King, it was clarified to me that

var array = ["/wolves/i", "/Duck/"];

can be safely converted to:

var array = [/wolves/i, /Duck/];

javascript regex arrays

Answer 1

Answer №1

Check out this alternative solution:

let splitRegex = regex.split( '/' );
let customRegex = new RegExp( splitRegex[1], splitRegex[2] );

Alternatively, you can try:

let matchRegex = regex.match( /^\/(.*)\/([^\/]*)$/ );
let customRegex = new RegExp( matchRegex[1], matchRegex[2] );

This second option is better as it handles cases where the regex contains '/'. 😉

Answer 2

Check out this alternative solution:

let splitRegex = regex.split( '/' );
let customRegex = new RegExp( splitRegex[1], splitRegex[2] );

Alternatively, you can try:

let matchRegex = regex.match( /^\/(.*)\/([^\/]*)$/ );
let customRegex = new RegExp( matchRegex[1], matchRegex[2] );

This second option is better as it handles cases where the regex contains '/'. 😉

Answer 3

Answer №2

taken directly from this source:

To form a regular expression from a string, utilize the RegExp object constructor:
var pattern = new RegExp("x|y", "g");
// equivalent to
var pattern = /x|y/g;

Answer 4

taken directly from this source:

To form a regular expression from a string, utilize the RegExp object constructor:
var pattern = new RegExp("x|y", "g");
// equivalent to
var pattern = /x|y/g;

Converting a JavaScript array of strings into a regular expression literal

Answer №1

Answer №2

Similar questions

Creating an animated link with a dynamic underline featuring a trio of vibrant colors

Guide to attaching a page content button to a fixed header

Each time the state changes, the array of components is reset

What is the best method to convert a variable array into a string array using jQuery in the context

Changing a date format in typescript: Here is how you can easily convert a date from one

Showcasing an image stored in an HTML file on a Vue.js webpage

When passing the value of "undefined" into a function, keep in mind that the function must be declared in a separate JavaScript file. This

How to assign the current item in a foreach loop to an array in PowerShell

Is it possible to reveal a concealed element or modify the functionality of a hyperlink?

Incorporation of a jQuery function

The 'presenceUpdate' event in Discord.js seems to be inactive and not triggering as expected

Extracting HTML elements between tags in Node.js is a common task faced

Having issues with setInterval function when restricting the number of MySQL rows

A guide to creating a reference between two tables using the hasOne method in sequelize.js

Unable to deactivate button within component using setState is ineffective

TypeScript Compile Error: The property is not available in the 'IStateParamsService' type

JavaScript: Choosing an element by class within the current row using jQuery

Exploring the World of Node.js Background Operations

How can we convert multiple arrays into a single JSON object?

vertical lines alongside the y-axis in a d3 bar graph