To clean up data for analysis, I’ve had to dip my toes into regular expressions. For example, writing a line of instructions that can separate first and last names and removing middle ones from a list of people.
To do this, I use the tool Notepad++, a free text editor whose find-and-replace allows for regular expressions.
However, for far too long I’ve relied on searching the web for snippets of instruction that will fill the immediate need. So I this morning I went through the RegexOne series of lessons and practice problems. They do a great job of breaking down the areas, providing instruction, problem sets, and interactivity. I highly recommend this course. (I even gave them a donation.)
