Regex (regular expressions) always seem hard to learn but once learned, it gives you power to solve many complicated coding tasks easily. With the JavaScript and SEO (for mod_rewrite) oriented web, Regex is a must-know for developers.

What is Regex?

A regular expression, often called a pattern, is an expression that describes a set of strings. They are usually used to give a concise description of a set, without having to list all elements. For example, the set containing the three strings "Handel", "Händel", and "Haendel" can be described by the pattern H(ä|ae?)ndel (or alternatively, it is said that the pattern matches each of the three strings) (via Wikipedia).

The Regulator is an advanced, free regular expressions testing and learning tool. It allows you to build and verify a regular expression against any text input, file or web, and displays matching, splitting or replacement results within an easy to understand, hierarchical tree.

Regex actions supported:

• Find multiple matches 
• Replace text according to expression
• Split text according to expression

The Regulator is also integrated with RegexLib.com, a free regular expressions library, and helps finding ready-to-use regular expressions.

For URL rewriting, directory protection, url forwarding or other advanced purposes, every web developer or website owner uses .htaccess files frequently.

.htaccess coding can be very complex depending on what is wanted to be achieved. For standard, simple usage, the commands are easy to use and even easier with the online .htaccess Editor.

htaccess Editor, with an input based ajax interface, asks the user which directory needs to be password protected, error page to be shown and even redirect directives. Depending on the inputs, a .htaccess file is created on the fly.