Using explicitly numbered repetition instead of question mark, star and plus

Question

I\'ve seen regex patterns that use explicitly numbered repetition instead of ?, * and +, i.e.:

Explicit            Sho         


        

Answer 1

They're equivalent (and you'll find out if they're available by testing your context.)

The problem I'd anticipate is when you may not be the only person ever needing to work with your code. Regexes are difficult enough for most people. Anytime someone uses an unusual syntax, the question arises: "Why didn't they do it the standard way? What were they thinking that I'm missing?"