Using regex with jQuery

Question

How can I do something similar to the below

result = $.grep(data, function(e){ return e.firstname == name; });

with having name to be a regex expression, i.e. name starts with "Kevin*"

Are you asking for how to use a variable in a regular expression? — Felix Kling
– Felix Kling, Commented Aug 13, 2013 at 22:33

David Thomas · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-13 22:53:51Z

2

Without testing, I'd suggest:

result = $.grep(data, function(e){
             return new RegExp('^Kevin').test(e.firstName);
         });

To use a variable then the above can be rewritten to:

var name = 'Kevin';
result = $.grep(data, function(e){
             return new RegExp('^' + name).test(e.firstName);
         });

References:

answered Aug 13, 2013 at 22:34

David Thomas

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2 Comments

David, you might want to lose the $ on your regex, or add a .* in.

@Adrian: agreed, I was focused on the == in the posted sample, rather than the 'starts with' written in the question-text. Thanks!