note BrowserUk <blockquote><i></i></blockquote> <p>To test if a string contains regex metachars, [quotemeta] it and compare it to the original: <code> print "$_: does", ($_ eq quotemeta() ? 'not' : '' ), 'contain metachars' for 'a.c', '[abc]', 'abcd';; a.c: does contain metachars [abc]: does contain metachars abcd: does not contain metachars </code> <P>Of course, that doesn't test if the metachars make sense as a regex. <div class="pmsig"><div class="pmsig-171588"> <hr /> <font size=1 > <div>With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'</div> <div>Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.</div> <div>"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". </div> <div>In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. </div> </font> </div></div> 1012724 1012724