Regex to match specific pattern

Question

I am so bad at creating regex and I'm struggling with what I am SURE it's a simple stupid regex.

I am using PHP to do this match. Here is what I have until now.

Test string: 8848842356063003
if(!preg_match('/^[0-2]|[7-9]{16}/', $token)) {
    return array('status' => 'failed', 'message' => "Invalid token", 'token' => '');
}

The regex must comply to this: Start with 0-2 or 7-9 and have EXACTLY 16 characters. What am I doing wrong? Because I get, as a match:

array(
  0 => 8
)

And I should get:

array(
  0 => 8848842356063003
)

By the way: I am using PHP Live Regex to test my regex string.

Thanks in advance, Ares D.

You should read about subpatterns

OIS
– OIS

2015-07-09 11:01:43 +00:00
Commented Jul 9, 2015 at 11:01 — OIS
– OIS, Commented Jul 9, 2015 at 11:01

anubhava · Accepted Answer · 2015-07-09 11:00:39Z

2

The regex must comply to this: Start with 0-2 or 7-9 and have EXACTLY 16 characters

You can put starting numbers in same character class and use end anchor after matching 15 more charaters:

/^[0-27-9].{15}$/

If you want to match only digits then use:

/^[0-27-9]\d{15}$/

answered Jul 9, 2015 at 11:00

anubhava

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2 Comments

Ares Draguna Over a year ago

PERFECT! THANK YOU! I don't know why I'm not getting this stupid regex stuff :( Is there a good book/tutorial that you can recommend?

Ares Draguna Over a year ago

I know that one... Unfortunately, there aren't that much examples for me to go with, so that I can understand fully. But thanks allot :) You have been more than helpful. I appreciate it, sir!

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