How can I use regex for URL validation?

How can I use regex for URL validation?

You can use a regex pattern to match the structure of a URL. A common pattern is: ^(https?://)?(www\.)?([a-zA-Z0-9-]+\.)+[a-zA-Z]{2,6}(/.*)?$.

Can you explain how this regex works?

Sure! This regex checks for optional 'http' or 'https', followed by 'www', then a domain name, and finally a top-level domain.

What if I want to allow ports in the URL?

You can modify the regex to include ports by adding (:[0-9]{1,5})? after the domain part.

Can you give me a complete regex that includes ports?

Absolutely! Here’s a regex that includes ports: ^(https?://)?(www\.)?([a-zA-Z0-9-]+\.)+[a-zA-Z]{2,6}(:[0-9]{1,5})?(/.*)?$.