What are your regex tips for casual users

[risk]

I’m in awe of folks who are able to provide regex solutions for difficult multi-rename operations. It is so infrequent that I need to use regex in TC or in text editors that I always find myself searching a long time to find and test the proper syntax to carry out an action. Editing filenames manually or via batch files is in many instances faster for me than trying to find and use the correct regex statements.

I’ve tried online tutorials and I get the basic learning blocks they teach but they are not specific enough to help me create the exact statements I need for tasks at hand. The online sites that let you test regex statements are great if you already know how to write them so they’re not very helpful for someone like me.

How do you come up with your regex statements? Do you just know the proper syntax and able to assemble them just like you would a basic batch file? Do you have any tips that can help a frustrated individual who’s looking to become more apt at using regex? Perhaps a site or cheatsheet with many regex recipes or a document with snippets you’ve compiled over time?

Your feedback is appreciated.

[Kyles]

1. Press Ctrl+M (multi-rename)
2. Press F1
3. Find "RegEx Now supports regular expressions."
4. Click "regular expressions."

[solid]

Check regular-expressions.info
There is a quite detailed introduction to regex. But not all regex features are supported in TC.

[theosdikaios]

I use the program help of Total Commander - chapter 3.n. It is short, pithy and simple available (press F1).