About Regular Expression
Easy GREP adopts the Regualr Expression of Javascript
and VBscript.
It's compatible mostly with other advanced styles
of Regular Expression, such as Perl, Java and .Net. Though lacking
some complex advanced functions, it can do most common work we usually
need.
The VBScript Regular Expression (version 5.5 mostly) is deployed inside
vbscript.dll with Internet Explorer (5.5+). As an ActiveX component it can
be used in most Windows and by most applications. Though it's very old, but
it can already do most things we need. Most important, it's already inside your
system, you needn't install .Net frmawork or Java runtime or any other third
party RegEx engine.
- Fast Speed
- Without those complex but rare-used functions, it's simple and fast, can
fulfil the strict demand of speed of mass replacing. During our numerous
work, this engine is very fast.
- Simple Grammar
- Second, it's grammar is simple. Comparing to Perl regexp or Java regexp,
user needn't write regexp delimiter - "/" at all, which is very confusing when
you use "\" to convert characters.
- Good Compatibility
- The Regular Expression container, vbscript.dll, exists pervasively in most
Windows. So this tool can run on Most Windows, even old Win 9x. So users with
any Windows, with or without .Net freamework or Java runtime, can use it
freely.
- Light Weight
- User needn't install any additional Regexp engine. Imagine if we use a
later regexp engine of .Net of Java, users should install a cumbersome .Net or
Java runtime which is hundreds times in size than this tool. (Even a
full-functional perl Regexp is serveral times in size than it.)
- Excellent Reliability
- VBScript Regular Expression was developed by Microsoftm and version 5.5 is
a stable version, it's more reliable than other free third-party Regexp
engines, which are often in updating or bug
fixing.