Grep - what is the base syntax of InDesign grep

[Yeshurun Kubi]

There are many regex syntax, one different from the other: .Net regex, Java regex, PCRE regex, Python regex. etc.

Some sites for checking regex expressions are just great - like Regex101 or RegExr [that is mentioned on InDesignSecrets], but it has different languages.

The RegExr supports only JavaScript and PHP/PCRE.

I really wish to know what is the base syntax of the Grep on InDesign?

If anyone kindly refer to documentation about the language that it is based on?

Thanks!

[Yeshurun Kubi]

For I get no response for that, I think it will be acceptable to share what I assume to be 'InDesign grep flavor', though i can not know for sure.

I think it is based on Perl or PCRE engine.

I have tried to use the 'R' expression, like it is explained on regular-expressions.info and you can see it HERE.

It worked just great on InDesign. This expression is not widely supported - see HERE.

[teachbit]

Hi,

I found an article, that says “like the Unicode Character Properties that Perl uses. Maybe InDesign’s GREP uses the Perl Compatible Regular Expressions library”

Advanced InDesign/InCopy GREP Commands | Ryan Macklin

[Colin Flashman · Accepted solution]

According to Peter Kahrel's title "GREP in InDesign 3rd Edition" (ISBN: 978-0-9825083-6-7) - InDesign’s GREP uses the Boost libraries; information on these libraries is available from www.boost.org, especially Perl Regular Expression Syntax - 1.67.0