Due to the pattern matching capabilities of REs, it can be used to:

• Formulate Powerful Queries
• Automate Powerful Text Edits

Thus one can use regular expressions to

• Convert Source Code
• Develop Commands
• Create Useful Reports

Although many REs can be very cryptic (which is consistent with brevity: a major strength of UNIX), They can be learned!

Regular Expressions can be mastered just like any available tool in UNIX. It just requires practice. In due time, you must use RE’s in an instinctive matter. Memorizing REs is too difficult since such pattern matches can be very basic; while others can be hideous.