Prefer Simpler String Functions over Plain Regex

WarningClean ABAP & Modern Syntax#EC PREF_PLAIN_REGEXRemote Enabled

Overview

Prefer Simpler String Functions to Regex.

ATC Finding Message: Regex pattern contains no metacharacters - use the simple sub / case parameter instead

Rationale

A regex literal that contains no metacharacters (such as . [ { ( ) * + ? ^ $ | or the escape backslash) performs a plain literal search yet pays the regex engine's parsing and backtracking cost. Replace plain literal patterns with the simple, cheaper and more readable sub / case parameters of find, count, replace or contains. Only literal patterns without metacharacters are flagged; textual FIND/REPLACE with REGEX is covered by no-obs-strings.

Non-Compliant

result = replace( val = text
  regex = 'HELLO'
  with = 'WORLD' ).

Compliant

result = replace( val = text
  sub = 'HELLO'
  with = 'WORLD' ).

Suppression

To suppress findings for this rule, append the pseudo-comment to the statement:

" Standard pseudo-comment:
... "#EC PREF_PLAIN_REGEX

" SAP CI_ prefix format:
... "#EC CI_PREF_PLAIN_REGEX

Related Rules

• Avoid Obsolete String and POSIX Regex Statements — #EC NO_OBS_STRINGS
• Prefer Built-in String Functions over SEARCH/SHIFT — #EC PREF_STR_FUNC
• Prefer String Templates over CONCATENATE — #EC PREF_STR_TMPL

Technical Details

• Native ATC Class: ZCL_SKYLINT_PREF_PLAIN_REGEX
• Implementation File: zcl_skylint_pref_plain_regex.clas.abap