Order of Precedence in Extended Regular Expressions

Like C and C++ operators, the Regular Expression (RE) syntax specifiers are processed in a specific order. The order of precedence is described below, from highest to lowest priority. The specifiers in each category are also listed in order of precedence.

Syntax Specifiers Precedence
Collation-related bracket symbols [==] [::] [..]
Special characters \spec_char
Bracket expressions [ ]
Grouping ( )
Repetition * + ? {m} {m,} {m,n}
Concatenation  
Anchoring ^ $
Alternation |



Regular Expressions