in reply to Re: Grep'ping on Unix without perl-compatible gnu grep - can you do it better?
in thread Grep'ping on Unix without perl-compatible gnu grep - can you do it better?

Indeed, the -E switch (aka egrep) does activate a modern regexp syntax, and is found in a boatload more systems than where -P is. It does not come with all the Perl features, but it is way more comfortable than the basic 1980s dialect grep & co default to.

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Re^3: Grep'ping on Unix without perl-compatible gnu grep - can you do it better?
by parv (Parson) on Feb 01, 2013 at 07:37 UTC
    You could (have) try(ied) awk on systems that has(had) a lacking grep.