pattern.matcher() vs pattern.matches()

Question

I am wondering why the results of the java regex pattern.matcher() and pattern.matches() differ when provided the same regular expression and same string

Answer 1

From the Javadoc, see the if, and only if, the entire region section

   /**
     * Attempts to match the entire region against the pattern.
     *
     * 
 If the match succeeds then more information can be obtained via the
     * start, end, and group methods.  
     *
     * @return  true if, and only if, the entire region sequence
     *          matches this matcher's pattern
     */
    public boolean matches() {
        return match(from, ENDANCHOR);
    }

So if your String was just "+", you'd get a true result.