matches

operator

Syntax
string-expression matches pattern


Purpose

The matches operator provides a general way to test the contents of a string expression by matching it against an OmniMark pattern. When only one pattern is being tried, the most convenient way to do this is often by using matches.

The matches operator takes two operands: the string-expression being scanned and the pattern against which it is matched.

The pattern any** is used when the pattern can appear anywhere in the string; otherwise, the pattern must appear at the beginning of the string-expression for a match to succeed.

Parentheses must be used to enclose the pattern if it consists of more than one component.

If there is more than one pattern to scan, it is often easier and more efficient to use do scan.

Usage example:

  do when attribute codes matches any** (word-start "OK" word-end)
        ...
  done

Related Syntax
Related Concepts