python-regexHow to match any character with Python regex?

The Python re module provides a set of functions that allows us to match any character using regular expressions. To match any character, we can use the . (dot) character. The . character matches any single character except for a newline.

Example code

import re

pattern = r".*"

string = "Hello World!"

match = re.search(pattern, string)

if match:
    print("Match found:", match.group())
else:
    print("No match found")

Output example

Match found: Hello World!

Code explanation

1. import re: This imports the re module which provides functions for working with regular expressions.
2. pattern = r".*": This creates a regular expression pattern that matches any character. The . character matches any single character except for a newline. The * character matches the preceding character 0 or more times.
3. string = "Hello World!": This creates a string that we will use to search for a match.
4. match = re.search(pattern, string): This searches the string for a match using the pattern.
5. if match:: This checks if a match was found.
6. print("Match found:", match.group()): This prints the matched string.

Helpful links

• Python Regular Expression Quick Guide
• Python re Module

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