Move beyond standard lookups and unlock the power of pattern matching. Learn to validate, extract, and clean complex data using Excel's advanced Regular Expression functions.
Unlock a powerful new paradigm in data analysis with the course "Introduction to Regular Expressions in Excel." For decades, pattern matching in data was a capability largely reserved for programmers using languages like Python or SQL. However, with recent updates to Microsoft 365, Excel users can now leverage the robust power of Regular Expressions (Regex) directly within their spreadsheets. This course is designed to take you from the basics of data matching to advanced pattern recognition, allowing you to clean, validate, and extract data with unprecedented precision.
The presentation begins by grounding learners in familiar territory, reviewing the core match modes of the XLOOKUP function. You will solidify your understanding of exact, approximate, and partial (wildcard) matches before bridging the gap to advanced functionality. The course then introduces the syntax of Regular Expressions, demystifying the jargon and "tokens" used to define search patterns. You will learn how to move beyond simple text searches to identifying complex patterns, such as variable phone number formats or specific text strings, using the new advanced match modes available in Excel.
This course covers the following key topics:
REGEXTEST to validate data inputs, REGEXEXTRACT to pull specific patterns from text, and REGEXREPLACE to sanitize messy data efficiently.Presented by David Ringshore, CPA, this course transforms a complex, technical topic into an approachable skill set. By the end of this session, you will possess a modernized Excel toolbox, ready to handle sophisticated data challenges that extend far beyond the limitations of traditional lookup functions.
CPA, Author, Professional Excel Spreadsheet Trainer and Consultant
David H. Ringstrom, CPA, is the author of Microsoft 365 Excel for Dummies, and a nationally recognized instructor who has taught over 2,500 live webinars. His Excel courses are based on over 30 years of consulting and teaching experience. David’s catchphrase is “Either you work Excel, or it works you,” so he focuses on what he sees users don’t, but should know about Microsoft Excel. His goal is to empower you to use Excel more effectively. David has authored or co-authored 10 books, including Exploring Microsoft Excel's Hidden Treasures, QuickBooks Online for Dummies, and Idiot's Guide to Introductory Accounting.
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