Effect Regex

Generate regex patterns from natural language descriptions and test them.

12|Updated Oct 18, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/PaulJPhilp/effect-regex --skill effect-regex
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Effect Regex
Source: https://github.com/PaulJPhilp/effect-regex/tree/main/.claude/skills/effect-regex
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/PaulJPhilp/effect-regex --skill effect-regex

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers quickly design, test, optimize, and explain regex patterns using a deterministic, AST-based approach. It reduces debugging time, increases correctness across multiple dialects, and automates repetitive regex tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pattern Building: Generate robust patterns from natural language descriptions with multi-dialect support (JS, RE2, PCRE).
  • Pattern Testing: Validate patterns against positive/negative test cases with timeout protection.
  • Pattern Optimization: Apply 4 AST transformation passes to reduce complexity and improve performance.
  • Pattern Explanation: Produce human-readable explanations that help non-technical stakeholders understand regex logic.
  • CLI Integration: Parse CLI command structures and create semantic capture maps for tooling and parsers.
  • AI-assisted Generation: Generate AI-driven patterns from examples with optional Claude integration.
  • Dialect Conversion: Convert patterns between JavaScript, RE2, and PCRE dialects.

Quick Start

Ask Claude to create a regex for validating email addresses, then test and refine the pattern in the same session:

Frequently Asked Questions about Effect Regex

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate regex patterns from natural language descriptions?

Generate regex patterns by providing natural language descriptions of what you want to match. The Skill converts your text requirements into deterministic AST-based patterns, supporting JavaScript, RE2, and PCRE dialects with multi-dialect emission for cross-platform compatibility.

Can I test regex patterns against positive and negative examples?

Yes, test patterns against positive and negative examples with built-in timeout protection to prevent performance issues. The Skill validates your regex works correctly before deployment and flags edge cases.

What's the best way to optimize regex for performance?

Optimize regex through four AST transformation passes that reduce pattern complexity and improve matching speed. The Skill automatically applies these transformations to make your patterns more efficient.

How do I convert regex patterns between JavaScript, RE2, and PCRE dialects?

Convert patterns across JavaScript, RE2, and PCRE dialects using the Skill's dialect conversion feature. This ensures your regex works consistently across different platforms and tools without manual rewriting.

Can I use regex patterns in CLI command parsing and capture mapping?

Yes, parse CLI command structures and create semantic capture maps for tooling and parsers. The Skill integrates with CLI tools and provides MCP server integration for programmatic access via TypeScript API.

Why should I use AST-based regex construction instead of manual patterns?

AST-based construction ensures deterministic, reproducible patterns with built-in linting and explanation features. This reduces debugging time, increases correctness across dialects, and automates repetitive regex tasks.