Notepad++ is a common tool used when editing files in a site. One of the most useful functions within the tool is its ability to search for strings and even search and replace within an entire file structure. When doing this users may find the need to search for wildcard strings, or strings that contain some static information and then more information that is specific to each instance. Many users may be aware of the wildcard function, though it is not outlined within Notepad++.
- Open Notepad++
- Select Search on the top bar, and then select Find... (for single files) or Find in Files... (for multiple files)
- In the Find What: box place the static part of the string, or the part that does not change per instance
- Immediately following the beginning of the string place the wildcard .*
- Enter the end of the string you wish to search for you immediately after the wildcard. Your Find What: bar will look something like the following example (the wildcard has been highlighted for emphasis)
- Make sure that Regular expression is checked at the bottom and pressed Find All
- If your files contain the information you are searching for they will be displayed in Notepad++