Splunk Search

Regular expression help and error (Regex: unmatched parentheses )

Michael_Schyma1
Contributor

The regular expression is correct according to RegExr, but i keep on getting this error

Regex: unmatched parentheses

I am not understanding why my regular expression is not working. Here is what i have in Splunk Search:

rex field=_raw "Member:\W+Security.ID:\W+TARD\\(?<member_added>\S+)"

I just dont see it for whatever reason. Thanks guys

Tags (1)
0 Karma
1 Solution

Rob
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

I take it you are trying to escape a backslash character. In that case you need to use 3 backslashes in the rex command like this:

rex field=_raw "Member:\W+Security.ID:\W+TARD\\\(?<member_added>\S+)"

View solution in original post

Rob
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

I take it you are trying to escape a backslash character. In that case you need to use 3 backslashes in the rex command like this:

rex field=_raw "Member:\W+Security.ID:\W+TARD\\\(?<member_added>\S+)"

raoul
Path Finder

This works, but why? Why does Splunk require three? By my logic I am escaping a backslash - one other backslash should do the trick...

Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas

Why Splunk Customers Should Attend Cisco Live 2026 Las Vegas     Cisco Live 2026 is almost here, and this ...

What Is the Name of the USB Key Inserted by Bob Smith? (BOTS Hint, Not the Answer)

Hello Splunkers,   So you searched, “what is the name of the usb key inserted by bob smith?”  Not gonna lie… ...

Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future

    Automating Threat Operations and Threat Hunting with Recorded Future June 29, 2026 | Register   Is your ...