[Resolved] str_replace Vs preg_replace?

OhLordy

I've been using str_replace for almost all myu replace functions becuase I've found it to be much quicker. However if I have a long list in the replace array (for example using str_replace to remove all alpha characters) preg is sometimes quicker. Is there a quick and easy way of checking if str_replace is going to be quicker or preg_replace?

Thanks in advance
Rob

Weedpacket

Experiment. Between that and experience it's about the most reliable way to get any intuition.

If you're replacing explicit strings, use str_replace. If you're matching patterns, use preg_replace.

vijayanand

@ user discreation

freedomsam

If you are trying to remove an entire class of characters, such as all alpha characters.

ereg_replace("[[:alpha:]]","","$string")

Here's a good one to strip all non-numeric characters. I use this for cleaning up dial strings before faxing.

ereg_replace("[^{[:digit:]]","","$dial_string")}

I can't speak for the performance of ereg_replace when using character classes.

Weedpacket

Originally posted by freedomsam
I can't speak for the performance of ereg_replace when using character classes.

ereg_replace is pretty much always slower than preg_replace - in any situation - and has a significantly less powerful syntax. Certainly I've never found a situation where ereg_replace seemed like it would offer any advantage.