Regex for single quote within single quotes

Question

OK, so this is what I'm trying to do :

I've got a complete SQL script
Some of the 's inside the values have not been properly escaped
e.g. if we have 'children's shoes', I want to replace it with 'children\'s shoes'

So, any suggestions? (I've tried various workarounds but I don't seem to be able to get it right...)

UPDATE:

'.+?' sure matches the values - but how do I match the 'ss within the values?
Here's a RegExr example of what I'm trying to match : http://regexr.com?368bo

UPDATE II :

OK, I think I'll go with [a-z]'s. It seems like it's capturing what I need. And replace with $1\'s.

Since you tagged your question with regex, what was your last regex attempt? — Jerry
– Jerry, Commented Sep 7, 2013 at 11:05
@Jerry I've tried something like : '.+?('s).+?' but it seems to be too... greedy — Dr.Kameleon
– Dr.Kameleon, Commented Sep 7, 2013 at 11:06
@Downvoters What's the issue with the question? I've happily replied LOTS and LOTS of times on Regex-related questions, and one time I need some assistance I get downvoted? What is not clear about my requirements? :S — Dr.Kameleon
– Dr.Kameleon, Commented Sep 7, 2013 at 11:07
Don't do this. Ever. If the SQL statement is already invalid, go one step back and escape the parameters when you create the statement. It's not possible to do what you ask for. — Prinzhorn
– Prinzhorn, Commented Sep 7, 2013 at 11:09
How to know whether quoted string is not ending with 2nd quote i.e. 'children' — anubhava
– anubhava, Commented Sep 7, 2013 at 11:10

anubhava · Accepted Answer · 2013-09-07 11:22:07Z

3

Match this regex:

('[^']*)'s([^']*')

And replace with:

$1\'s$2

answered Sep 7, 2013 at 11:22

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1 Comment

Perfect. You nailed it! Thanks a lot! :-)