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sre_compile Module

The sre_compile module handles the internal compilation of regular expression patterns to bytecode (used internally by re module).

Complexity Reference

Operation Time Space Notes
Compile pattern O(n) O(n) n = pattern length
Generate bytecode O(n) O(n) n = pattern complexity

Regular Expression Compilation

Examining Compiled Patterns

import re
import sre_compile

# Compile pattern - O(n)
pattern = re.compile(r'\d+')

# Access bytecode - O(1)
bytecode = pattern.pattern
print(bytecode)

# Get pattern info
print(pattern.groups)      # Number of groups
print(pattern.groupindex)  # Named group indices