KB158205184: Automation Engine - How can I extract everything between the first separation character and the last separation character

Description

A file name using separation characters (such as an underscore) is used but the string parts after the first separation character and before the last separation character is needed as a SmartName result. The same separation character may or may not be used within the middle part of the string.

This result can be achieved by one String Extract SmartName using a Regular Expression. To create this SmartName follow the steps given below:

Example File Names:

Example Filename	Needed String Result
12345_this the file name_endingpart.pdf	this is the file name
12345_this_the_file_name_endingpart.pdf	this_is_the_file_name

Procedure

Create a new SmartName of the type String Extract.
Enter the [File] SmartName in the Extract part of field.
Choose Use regular expression from the Extract Part drop-down menu.
Enter the following regular expression in the text field after Extract Part label:
Regular Expression
```
^[^_]*_(.*)_[^_]*$
```
Save the SmartName.
Other Separation Characters
To edit which separation character is used, change the underscore in the regular expression provided to the needed character.

Article information
Applies to	Automation Engine all versions
Created	15-Dec-14
Last revised
Author	MAOG
CW Number

Contents