Regular expressions in GnuCash

[Liz]

On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:09:46 +0500
"David T. via gnucash-user" <gnucash-user at gnucash.org> wrote:

> Peter,
> 
> Thank you for your perspective on this; I agree on the “clunky”
> designation, but would take this a little further. While I appreciate
> everyone’s input on the possibilities of Regex syntax, I am dismayed
> at the prospects for the original poster, as well as the broader user
> base. 
> 
> Let me ask you all this: if I asked you to get in your car and drive
> to the store to pick up some milk and eggs, would you think it
> reasonable to have to read six online manuals, and then construct and
> test several different types of key in order to start your car? Or do
> you expect to get in your car, start it up and drive it off without
> much consideration at all? I believe that most drivers expect their
> cars to “just work” when they get in to go to the store.
> 
> Well, I would hope for the same kind of “It Just Works” functionality
> from my accounting program with regards to extracting basic
> information (such as information on a range of checks) from my
> accounting data.
> 
> My point is this: Yes, there are ways to use the tools provided to
> achieve the desired end—but are they easy to use and intuitive to a
> wide audience? 
> 
> Moreover, is it appropriate to expect every user to become familiar
> with an arcane (and yes, Regex IS arcane) mathematical code in order
> to find this kind of information? 
> 
> Finally, adopting the implied mindset that “These tools work, and
> users should adapt to them" runs counter to the very idea of
> improvement and innovation. I sincerely hope that we all can continue
> to seek better and easier ways of meeting user needs.
> 
> Best,
> David T.

Formulate a "request for enhancement" and put it on Bugzilla.
Someone may come forward and code it because it scratches their itch,
too.

Liz