Rating: 

this book really shows itself. He sells you on the benefit of "hanging in" there through the book, as well as the world of programming power which will be available to you when you indeed "master" regular expressions. Mr. Friedl is sensitive to the various levels of programming expertise his readers will come to the book with. Examples given are strenuously explained--something a budding programmer like myself really appreciates, with nobody to turn to to have my many questions explained. I've never gotten INTO a computer book like I have this one. My deepest appreciation to the author. If he ever attempts another topic I would like to know about it just out of respect for his work ethic as an author. Very impressive.