Making query-replace-regexp more responsive

Question

C-h h!

It happens quite often to me that I try to C-M-% a text. Thus I use query-replace-regexp interactively. So I enter the search regex and Emacs asks meekly for the replacement text, when in fact my search regex does not match any text!

Ideally, I would like to be signaled as soon as possible that my regex does not match.

Is there a way out of this?

You should check out the visual-regexp package! It shows a preview of matchs as well as a preview of the output! — Jules
– Jules, Commented Apr 19, 2016 at 19:24

legoscia · Accepted Answer · 2016-04-16 17:56:01Z

3

One way to do this is to start with C-M-s, for isearch-forward-regexp, and interactively enter the regexp. That way, you'll see that it reaches the first match, and any further matches will be highlighted. Then, still in isearch mode, type C-M-%. The regexp from the isearch will automatically become the search regexp for the replacement command.

answered Apr 16, 2016 at 17:56

legoscia

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