[RESOLVED] regex question

ok, i could lookup a predone answer to this at regex sites but... i really need to learn regex, not knowing at least simple expressions will continue to hold me back.

i want to validate a time format, 0:00

where the maximum is
12:00
and the minimum is
0:00

i have a combobox for the AM/PM bit
(this is actually for ASP so no i cant use a timepicker, it doesnt actually relate to asp directly though n figured id get better luck here)

i have tried a few things so far
including
[0-12]:[0-6][0-9]
[0-12]:[00-60]
[00-12]:[00-60]

with no luck... if i havnt been clear already i do not just want you to give me the expression, i would like for someone to explain what needs to be done, and how each expression is written

thanks in advance for any help.

They do say history has a way of repeating itself :P

((([1-9])|(1[02]))\:([0-5][0-9])(([AM|PM|am|pm]{2,2}))

Before the semicolon, you have 1 to 9. OR, you have 10,11,12. For that, you can specify

([1-9]|[1[02])

Next, you have the colon. You'll need to escape it, so use \:

Third, you have 0 to 59.

[0-5][0-9]

Then of course, AM and PM

[AM|PM|am|pm]

oh! it makes alot more sense now, thanks alot

Have you looked at The 30 Minute Regex Tutorial ? Good explanation there of the syntax with some examples...

thanks for the tut gigem