Reviews for Regular Expression Pocket Reference: Regular Expressions for Perl, Ruby, PHP, Python, C, Java and .NET (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly))

1. Good pocket reference for regex.

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2009

   This book is a good reference for regex. I purchased this book because it covered Python syntax and it's quick and easy to use. However, if you are looking for something more comprehensive, go for Mastering Regular Expressions.

2. Cute, but not what I'd hoped for.

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2008

   It's handy to have a quick how-to for using regular expressions under different circumstances. But I'd rather have had more comprehensive cover of fewer languages!

3. Yet another excellent Pocket Reference

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2007

   I have several of the books in this series, and every one has been a lifesaver at some time or another, and I think this will be no exception. It is only when you are in a corner that you realise how fallible your memory is, and a book like this can come to your rescue.

4. An essential in my work bag

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, November 12th, 2006

   Okay, let me start by saying this book pretty much repeats information throughout the book and that's simply because it's aim is to show regular expressions in Perl, C, PHP, Python, Java and .NET. So it's a little like getting a manual for your DVD player with instruction in French, English etc. when all you care about is English. However, if you happen to work in various languages (as I have in the past) then this is actually a major selling point.
   
   I do not use regular expression often enough to have instant recall of the metacharacters etc. and so this little book (at a pretty good price) which fits perfectly into a small pocket in my laptop bag is a MUST HAVE for me for those times I do need to write reg. expression code.
   
   I don't leave home without it :-)

5. Perfect Memory Aid

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, August 12th, 2006

   A few years ago I read "Mastering Regular Expressions" (the somewhat weightier sibling of this volume) cover to cover and loved every page. It's a great book, readable and filled with detailed explanations but within a few months almost all I had learnt was completely gone.
   
   That is where this pocket reference comes in. The perfect tool to quickly jog your memory and remind you of that unusual rule. If you're new to regular expressions I'd recommend "Mastering Regular Expressions" first but, if you can, buy both. You won't regret it.