Regex not matching in Java Program

Question

I've built the following regex. This matches the function call fn-bea:uuid()

It obviously matches the function, but when integrating it into my java program:

xqueryFileContent.replaceAll("(fn\\-bea:uuid\\(\\))", "0");

the function is not replaced. Any ideas what I'm missing?

I can't make out if `\\-` is escaping `-` or if you want to match `\-`. Please clarify it by giving the exact string to replace it. — Arun Gowda, Mar 23 '18 at 10:11
You need to assign the replaced value back to `xqueryFileContent` — Wiktor Stribiżew, Mar 23 '18 at 10:22

anubhava · Accepted Answer · 2018-03-23T10:22:32.580

2

There is no need to use a regex here. Just String#replace for simple string search-replace:

xqueryFileContent = xqueryFileContent.replace("fn-bea:uuid()", "0");

If you must use a regex then use Pattern.quote to quote all special characters:

xqueryFileContent = xqueryFileContent.replaceAll( 
  Pattern.quote("fn-bea:uuid()"), "0" );

edited Mar 23 '18 at 10:22

answered Mar 23 '18 at 10:16

anubhava

In this testcase there's just one fn-bea:uuid(), but there can be multiple. replaceAll wants a pattern as parameter. – 0x45 Mar 23 '18 at 10:17

Zenoo · Answer 2 · 2018-03-23T10:16:09.363

-1

You don't need to escape your - :

xqueryFileContent.replaceAll("(fn-bea:uuid\\(\\))", "0");

edited Mar 23 '18 at 10:16

answered Mar 23 '18 at 10:07

Zenoo

Not working, and why do I need to double escape, single escape of `\\` would also return `\\` no? – 0x45 Mar 23 '18 at 10:11
@0x45 I updated my answer, I thought you wanted to match a backslash. – Zenoo Mar 23 '18 at 10:16
@0x45 Are you reassigning your Java variable? `xqueryFileContent = xqueryFileContent.replaceAll("(fn-bea:uuid\\(\\))", "0");` – Zenoo Mar 23 '18 at 10:22
`-` is a special character for regex, yes it needs escaping – kutschkem Mar 23 '18 at 10:26
@kutschkem Inside `[]` yes, not outside – Zenoo Mar 23 '18 at 10:27

score -1 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 23 '18 at 10:22

-1

You must use the result of replaceAll:

xqueryFileContent = xqueryFileContent.replaceAll("(fn\\-bea:uuid\\(\\))", "0");

answered Mar 23 '18 at 10:22

Maurice Perry

3 Answers3