Replacing multiple blank lines with one blank line using RegEx search and replace
I have a file that I need to reformat and remove "extra" blank lines.
I am using the Perl syntax regular expression search and replace functionality of UltraEdit and need the regular expression to put in the "Find What:" field.
Here is a sample of the file I need to re-format.
All current text REPLACE with all the following: Winter 2011 Class Schedule Winter 2011 Class Registration Dates: Dec. 6, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011 Winter 2011 Class Session Dates: Jan. 5 – Feb. 12, 2011 DANCE Adventures in Ballet & Tap 3 – 6 years Instructor: Ann Newby Tots ages 3 – 6 years old develop a greater sense of rhythm, flexibility and coordination as they explore the basic elements of movement. Saturdays 9 - 10 a.m. Jan. 8 – Feb. 12 Six-week fees: $30 African Storytelling 3 – 6 years Instructor: Ann Newby Tots ages 3 – 6 years old explore storytelling and fables through spoken word, music, movement and visual arts experiences. Saturdays 10 – 11 a.m. Jan. 8 – Feb. 12 Six-week fee: $30 African Dance / Children
You'll notice that some of the double blank lines have spaces or tabs or both in them.
After the search and replace has been run I should have a file that looks like this.
All current text REPLACE with all the following: Winter 2011 Class Schedule Winter 2011 Class Registration Dates: Dec. 6, 2010 – Jan. 1, 2011 Winter 2011 Class Session Dates: Jan. 5 – Feb. 12, 2011 DANCE Adventures in Ballet & Tap 3 – 6 years Instructor: Ann Newby Tots ages 3 – 6 years old develop a greater sense of rhythm, flexibility and coordination as they explore the basic elements of movement. Saturdays 9 - 10 a.m. Jan. 8 – Feb. 12 Six-week fees: $30 African Storytelling 3 – 6 years Instructor: Ann Newby Tots ages 3 – 6 years old explore storytelling and fables through spoken word, music, movement and visual arts experiences. Saturdays 10 – 11 a.m. Jan. 8 – Feb. 12 Six-week fee: $30 African Dance / Children
Answer
Replacing
^(\s*\r\n){2,}
With
\r\n
Is what I ended up with.
This only selects blank lines in multiples of two or more and replaces them with one.