Application
Programmers and system administrators apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Their main responsibility is to code complex text processing such as search and replace tasks, validate inputs and create regex-based queries.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Differentiate the use of regular expressions in programming languages | 1.1 Compare regular expression features among different languages and tools 1.2 Define different regular expression engine types and how they work 1.3 Determine the programming language and tools for writing regular expressions |
2. Code using regular expressions | 2.1 Use regular expression characters, operators, anchors and quantifiers to match patterns of text 2.2 Write regular expression patterns to search and manipulate text 2.3 Write code to split strings and collect matches 2.4 Validate user input using regular expressions |
3. Test regular expressions | 3.1 Use test tools to test and validate regular expressions 3.2 Capture results and edit as required |
Required Skills
Required skills
analytical skills to:
evaluate and compare a range of tools and languages
write complex regular expressions for text processing
literacy skills to read basic technical data
problem-solving skills to:
find best solutions using regular expressions to a wide range of problems
perform basic debugging and testing skills
research skills to locate and interrogate complex and varied sources of information
technical skills to:
debug applications using basic debugging techniques
test applications using basic testing techniques
write code using an integrated development environment (IDE).
Required knowledge
maths at a basic level
basic knowledge of:
coding
database systems
object-oriented programming
open-source development tools
small-size application development.
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the ability to: build and test regular expressions match, replace or split text within a document or input field. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: internet in order to use online tools available for regular expressions IDE specific tools and licences, depending on particular platform appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of writing regular expressions to solve common text-processing problems evaluation of ability to: create code to search files and input fields handle data validation manipulate text based on patterns. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Languages may include: | .NET languages C++ Java JavaScript MySQL Perl PHP PowerShell Python Ruby on Rails XML Schema XQuery and XPath. |
Regular expression engine types may include: | deterministic finite automaton (DFA) non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA) portable operating system interface for Unix NFA (POSIX NFA). |
Patterns may include: | alternatives character classes grouping repeating sequences sub-patterns. |
Test tools may include: | Grep java.util.regex PowerGREP RegexBuddy RegexMagic RegexPal Regular Expression Checker Rubular. |
Sectors
Programming and software development
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.