python regex sub replace the whole string

Question

Let's say I want to replace string that start with abc with replacement:

import re

s = 'abcdefg'

re.sub(r'^abc', 'replacement', s)
replacementdefg

What should I do to only return replacement instead of replacementdefg?

Why `RegEx`. Why not `startswith()`? Or is your sample not representative? — JvdV, May 15 '20 at 15:09
Well, it's a build-in function and won't need importing. I'm not into technicalities, but I guess it's prefered. — JvdV, May 15 '20 at 15:15
I see! Thanks for the explanation. In this case I'm using `pandas.Series.str.replace()` so there will be no additional importing needed. But good to know for future reference. — CHRD, May 15 '20 at 15:16

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 15 '20 at 15:09

1

Match the rest of the string with a .*

import re

s = 'abcdefg'

s = re.sub(r'^abc.*', 'replacement', s)
print(s)

output:

replacement

answered May 15 '20 at 15:09

rdas

1 Answers1