---
alias: user-guide-automation-task-core-expressionevaluatorregular
tags:
- automation tasks
description: "This task evaluates regular expressions against input data for pattern matching and data transformation"
---

# Regular Expression Evaluator

:iot-arithmeticoperation-lg:{style="font-size: 100px"}

The **Regular Expression Evaluator** applies Regular Expressions (RegEx) to input data for pattern matching, extraction, replacement, or validation purposes. It is useful for tasks such as parsing structured text, extracting specific data points, or transforming text using substitution patterns.

![mainImage][mainImage]

!!! note
    This task results from a split of the Expression Evaluator task. It can be used along with [[user-guide-automation-task-core-expressionevaluatorgeneric]] and [[user-guide-automation-task-core-expressionevaluatorxpath]].

## Workflows

| Data Flow | Control Flow |
| :--------: | :---------: |
| :material-check:{ style="color: #4DB6AC" } | :material-check:{ style="color: #4DB6AC" } |

## Inputs

| Name            | Data Type  | Description                                                        |
| --------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `<custom list>` | `<custom>` | Defines the input values used for evaluation |
| Activate        | `any`      | Triggers task execution |

## Outputs

| Name            | Data Type  | Description                                                        |
| --------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `<custom list>` | `<custom>` | Defines the output values generated by the expression |
|Success | `Boolean` |  Returns `true` if the task completes successfully |
| Error           | `Error`    | Contains information about any error that occurs |

## Settings

The General tab includes standard task settings and the following parameters:

| Name | Data Type | Values | Default Value | Description |
| ---- | --------- | ------ | ------------- | ----------- |
| Evaluator Behavior | `enum` | `EvaluateAll`<br />`EvaluateUntilTrue` | `EvaluateAll` | Defines whether all expressions are evaluated or evaluation stops after the first `true` result |
| Clear Inputs | `Boolean` |  | false | When enabled, clears input values after the task is executed |

![settings][settings]

The Inputs Tab includes the following settings:

| Name | Data Type | Description |
| ---- | --------- | ----------- |
| Name | `String` | Input Name. |
| Friendly Name | `String` | The displayed input name |
| Type | `Long`<br />`Decimal`<br />`DateTime`<br />`Boolean`<br />`String`<br />`Integer` | Defines the data type of the input |
| Default Value | `any` | Default value assigned to the input parameter |
| Required | `any` | Indicates if the input is required |

![inputs][inputs]

The Outputs Tab includes the following settings:

| Name | Data Type | Description |
| ---- | --------- | ----------- |
| Name | `String` | Output Name |
| Friendly Name | `String` | The displayed output name |
| Type | `Long`<br />`Decimal`<br />`DateTime`<br />`Boolean`<br />`String`<br />`Integer` | Defines the data type of the output |
| Expression | `any`  | Operation or pattern applied to the input value |

![outputs][outputs]

### Evaluator Behavior

The **Regular Expression Evaluator** applies a regular expression to input data and returns results that match the expression.

- `EvaluateUntilTrue`: Stops processing when an expression returns a `true` value and outputs the corresponding result.
- `EvaluateAll`: Evaluates all configured expressions and outputs all results.
- `Clear Inputs`: When enabled, resets the inputs after task execution.

[mainImage]: ../images/expression_evaluator_regular.png
[settings]: ../images/expression_evaluator_regular_settings.png
[inputs]: ../images/expression_evaluator_regular_settings.png
[outputs]: ../images/expression_evaluator_regular_settings.png