Regex vs String Functions: Which Should I Use?

What's the difference between regex and string functions?

Regex (regular expressions) are patterns used to match character combinations in strings, while string functions are built-in methods for manipulating strings directly.

When should I use regex instead of string functions?

Use regex when you need complex pattern matching, like validating formats (emails, phone numbers). For simple tasks, string functions are more efficient.

Can you give me an example of regex in action?

Sure! For example, to validate an email, you can use the regex pattern ^[\w-\.]+@[\w-]+\.[a-z]{2,4}$.

Are there performance differences between the two?

Yes, regex can be slower for simple tasks due to its complexity. String functions are generally faster for straightforward operations.