PHP - Generate string that matches a pattern

Question

I have the following issues:

I have a pattern
I need to generate a random(ish) string that matches that pattern

So far I generate random strings then match them against the pattern. This works, but may take a pretty long time for more complex patterns.

Are there any other ways to do this?

Since you know the pattern, you can build the parts with random substrings and then concat it to the string you are looking for. — WeSee
– WeSee, Commented Feb 26, 2016 at 7:15
I was thinking if there is a solution more "general" that does not depend on pattern (take this one for example: (\d{1,15}+(\.\d{1,4})?)( )?x( )?(\d{1,15}(\.\d{1,4})?)( )?x( )?(\d{1,15}(\.\d{1,4})?)(( )?-( )?(\d{1,15}(\.\d{1,4})?))?( )). — zozo
– zozo, Commented Feb 26, 2016 at 7:15

osanger · Accepted Answer · 2016-02-26 07:18:54Z

1

have a look at the Reverse Parser:

https://github.com/icomefromthenet/ReverseRegex

$lexer = new  Lexer('[a-z]{10}');
$gen   = new SimpleRandom(10007);
$result = '';

$parser = new Parser($lexer,new Scope(),new Scope());
$parser->parse()->getResult()->generate($result,$gen);

echo $result;

produces this output:

jmceohykoa
aclohnotga
jqegzuklcv
ixdbpbgpkl
...

edited Feb 26, 2016 at 7:18

answered Feb 26, 2016 at 7:16

osanger

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1 Comment

zozo Over a year ago

This looks like what I'm looking for, will take a better look at it.

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