Template string parsing in php

Question

I am having an issue with string parsing in php. I am trying to create my own template parser (for my learning purpose). I have decided to put urls in the following format {url:abc/def} so this would be displayed like http://www.domain.com/abc/def. I have tried using str_replace but in this case it would not work since the value after ":" could be anything. Exploding the string also wont work as ":" can also be present in the text of html file. I think this could be only done via regular expression so suggest me some good regular expression also do let me know if this can be achieved via any other approach.

Other things to note.

Since it is used for template parsing and template can have multiple urls.
Urls would not have any query strings but i would appreciate if the solution also supports them.

If the contents could be "anything", it's not regular and not a good use for regular expressions. What you want is a proper parser. Look at github.com/fabpot/Twig for a decent templating language with a decent parser. I'd even suggest you use and extend Twig to your needs instead of reinventing the wheel. — deceze
– deceze ♦, Commented Aug 26, 2013 at 8:02
i have mention that i am building it for my learning purpose. I know there are good templating engines like smarty and others. Also the url value could be anything but the pattern remains the same so i think this could be achieved using regular expression. — Code Prank
– Code Prank, Commented Aug 26, 2013 at 8:07

vollie · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-26 08:16:54Z

4

for learning purposes then:

preg_replace('/\{url:([^\}]*)\}/', $base_url.'$1', $string);

And the explanation of the regex

\{url: <-- find this text
[^\}]* <-- this means 'any character but a } occuring 0 or more times
([^\}]*) <-- by putting it inbetween () we can later reference it (see the '$1')
\} <-- the closing }

As long as you're learning: take a look at http://www.regular-expressions.info/ for more info on regular expressions. They're quite awesome really :D

edited Aug 26, 2013 at 8:16

answered Aug 26, 2013 at 8:11

vollie

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Code Prank Over a year ago

Thanks. Work like a charm :)

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