Regex vs String Methods: Best Practices

What are the main differences between regex and string methods in programming?

Regex (regular expressions) are patterns used for matching strings, while string methods are built-in functions for string manipulation.

When should I use regex instead of string methods?

Use regex when you need complex pattern matching, like validating formats. String methods are better for simpler tasks.

Can you give me an example of when regex is more efficient?

Sure! Validating an email format is a common use case where regex can succinctly check multiple conditions at once.

What are some best practices for using regex?

Keep regex patterns simple, use comments for clarity, and test your expressions thoroughly to avoid unexpected results.