What are the differences between pattern matching and regex in Python 3.10?

What are the differences between pattern matching and regex in Python 3.10?

In Python 3.10, pattern matching is a new feature that allows for more readable and expressive code compared to regex. While regex is great for string searching and manipulation, pattern matching can destructure complex data types and match against patterns directly.

Can you give me an example of pattern matching?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

match point:
    case (0, 0):
        print('Origin')
    case (x, 0):
        print(f'On the x-axis at {x}')
    case (0, y):
        print(f'On the y-axis at {y}')
    case (x, y):
        print(f'Point at ({x}, {y})')

How does this compare to regex for the same task?

Using regex for the same task would involve matching strings against patterns, which can be less intuitive. For example, to check if a string represents a point, you might use a regex pattern like r'^(-?[0-9]+,-?[0-9]+)$', which is more complex and harder to read.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, pattern matching can be more efficient for certain tasks, especially when dealing with complex data structures. Regex can be slower due to its backtracking mechanism, especially with complex patterns.