Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use regular expressions (regex) for manipulating text and data.
It applies to individuals who are programmers and system administrators, and whose main responsibilities are to code complex text processing, such as search-and-replace tasks, validate inputs, and create regex-based queries.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Differentiate the use of regular expressions in programming languages | 1.1 Compare the regular expression features among the different languages and tools 1.2 Define the 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 the 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 |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
compare regular expression (regex) languages, tools and engine types
prepare and validate code using regex
test and edit regex code.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe and explain the principles of:
coding
database systems
object-oriented programming
open-source development tools
small-size application development.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the programming and software development industry, and include access to:
the internet, in order to use the online tools available for regular expressions
an integrated development environment (IDE)
specific tools and licences, depending on the particular platform.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1 | Interprets and critically analyses complex texts, and applies appropriate strategies, to construct the meaning from complex texts, when comparing regex features in different languages and tools |
Writing | 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 | Communicates complex relationships between ideas and information, matching the style of writing to the purpose and audience Writes, and edits, computer code and technical data, ensuring the correct syntax and accuracy |
Numeracy | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 | Selects from, and applies, an expanding range of mathematical and problem-solving strategies |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Uses systematic, analytical processes in complex, non-routine situations, setting goals, gathering relevant information, and identifying, and evaluating options against the agreed criteria Uses analytical processes to decide on a course of action, establishing the criteria for deciding between options when evaluating, and comparing, tools and languages, and when using and testing regex Understands the key principles and concepts underpinning the design, and operation, of digital systems and tools |
Sectors
Programming and software development