Javascript regex backreference. Here’s the syntax of a backreference: In this syntax, N is an May 19, 2020 · Backreference by name: \k<name> If a regexp has many parentheses, it’s convenient to give them names. Otherwise, it is an identity escape and is the same as the literal character k. This means you can match repeated words, paired delimiters like quotes, and symmetrical structures that would be impossible to express with basic regex syntax alone. The maximum number of backreferences is theoretically unlimited, as long as the system resources permit. Jan 9, 2026 · In a regular expression, parentheses can be used to group regex tokens together and for creating backreferences. In the example below the group with quotes is named ?<quote>, so the backreference is \k<quote>: Cool. This makes the regular expression more readable and easier to refactor and maintain. They help us find patterns in text. Backreferences allow you to reuse part of the regex match in the regex, or in the replacement text. By capturing groups and referring back to them, you can create more complex and powerful regex patterns. orpu hfm uqcf adxnrj wbvfr lkbwh sup jcws oiwbzl kdntueyk