I am expecting the following regex to allow 0-n spaces between operators, but it is forcing at least one. Can someone please correct the error of my ways?
((\d+\.?\d*|\d*\.?\d+\s+?[\+\-\/\*]\s+?)+)(\d+\.?\d*|\d*\.?\d+)
Examples
24*3.2
24 * 3.2
Only the 2nd example is allowed through.
I understood \s+? should be an optional number of spaces?
+? (or more generally ? following any other quantifier) is a non-greedy quantifier. It does not mean “make the preceding match optional”.
Use * instead of +?.
What you need is \s*, i.e., 0 or more white spaces.
Your \s+? says 1 or more white spaces and non greedy match for spaces.
The ? modifier after * or + means non-greedy match.
