RegExp.prototype.compile()
Deprecated: This feature is no longer recommended. Though some browsers might still support it, it may have already been removed from the relevant web standards, may be in the process of being dropped, or may only be kept for compatibility purposes. Avoid using it, and update existing code if possible; see the compatibility table at the bottom of this page to guide your decision. Be aware that this feature may cease to work at any time.
Note:
The compile() method is only specified for compatibility reasons. Using compile() causes the otherwise immutable regex source and flags to become mutable, which may break user expectations. You can use the RegExp() constructor to construct a new regular expression object instead.
The compile() method of RegExp instances is used to recompile a regular expression with new source and flags after the RegExp object has already been created.
Syntax
compile(pattern, flags)
Parameters
pattern-
The text of the regular expression.
flags-
Any combination of flag values.
Return value
None (undefined).
Exceptions
TypeError-
Thrown if the
thisvalue is not an instance of the current realm'sRegExpconstructor. This includes a subclass ofRegExpand theRegExpconstructor from a different realm.
Examples
Using compile()
The following example shows how to recompile a regular expression with a new pattern and a new flag.
const regexObj = /foo/gi;
regexObj.compile("new foo", "g");
Specifications
| Specification |
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| ECMAScript® 2027 Language Specification # sec-regexp.prototype.compile |
Browser compatibility
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compile
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Throws
TypeError when used in RegExp subclass or with cross-realm mismatch.
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Legend
Tip: you can click/tap on a cell for more information.
- Full support
- Full support
- No support
- No support
- Non-standard. Check cross-browser support before using.
- Deprecated. Not for use in new websites.