python re.search matches too much

Question

import re

text = '"dimensionsDisplay" : ["Size","Color"], '
r = '"dimensionsDisplay" :(.*)?,'
s = re.search(r,text)
print s.group(1)

the output is :

' ["Size","Color"]'

Although it is the answer what I want , but I think it's should be:

' ["Size",'

I am puzzled about this. Is there anybody tell my why ?

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 21 '16 at 08:44

0

r = '"dimensionsDisplay" :(.*?),'

You need to make your quantifier non greedy.? after (.*) makes it optional.But it will consume till the last , as it is greedy

answered Jan 21 '16 at 08:44

vks

@vks: If I am busy, please close frequent dupes like this. – Wiktor Stribiżew Jan 21 '16 at 08:47
@olivetree123 u need not be sorry...just accept it if it worked for you – vks Jan 21 '16 at 08:47
The question *is* a dupe. – Wiktor Stribiżew Jan 21 '16 at 08:55
@WiktorStribiżew no it was not a simple case of `?` being missing.It is diff. – vks Jan 21 '16 at 09:03
I see. I'd consider it as a typo then. What is bad is that you did not even explain the real problem. – Wiktor Stribiżew Jan 21 '16 at 09:06
@WiktorStribiżew no its not....i would say it was a problem with understanding – vks Jan 21 '16 at 09:07
then it is another dupe of [What does the regex mean](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/22937618/reference-what-does-this-regex-mean) – Wiktor Stribiżew Jan 21 '16 at 09:08
@WiktorStribiżew OP knew the regex and applied it too...but erred in understanding of groups and non greedy....If u know usage of `\K` apply and get wrong result....and den find out dat d way u applied was wrong ...this wont be a dup for me – vks Jan 21 '16 at 09:11

1 Answers1