> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.elimity.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.elimity.com/reference-manual/v3.44.2/advanced-topics/pattern-matching.md).

# Pattern matching

Elimity Insights provides several options for comparing attributes with expected values. In most cases, a simple 'equals', 'contains' or 'starts with' check is sufficient. However, from v3.24.0 onwards, users can also perform flexible pattern matching for more complex use-cases. The list below provides some example queries that were previously impossible:

* find all files with a path containing at least 2 slashes: path matches pattern `/.*/`
* find all users with an invalid phone number: phone does not match pattern `^\d{4}/(\d\d\.){2}\d\d$`
* find all groups with a name that starts with 8 digits: name matches pattern `^\d{8}`

[The Google RE2 specification](https://github.com/google/re2/wiki/Syntax) provides a technical explanation of how these patterns work exactly. For a quick overview, refer to the cheat sheet at <https://yourbasic.org/golang/regexp-cheat-sheet/#cheat-sheet>.


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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.elimity.com/reference-manual/v3.44.2/advanced-topics/pattern-matching.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

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