syntax
Alternation
Alternation
Alternation
Vertical bar characters are used to separate
alternative patterns. For example, the pattern
gilbert|sullivan matches either “gilbert” or “sullivan”.
Any number of alternatives may appear, and an empty alternative is
permitted (matching the empty string). The matching process tries
each alternative in turn, from left to right, and the first one
that succeeds is used. If the alternatives are within a subpattern
(defined below), “succeeds” means matching the rest of the main
pattern as well as the alternative in the subpattern.