Validate time format using preg_match

Question

I want to validate a time input (like 10:30 am, 02:30 pm) using preg_match()

I use this,

 $pattern   =   \"/([1-12]):([0-5])([0-9])( )(a         


        

Answer 1

The [...] notation in regexes defines character class: something that's applied to the single character. It's alternation that should be used here instead:

0[1-9]|1[0-2]

... so the regex in whole would look like this:

/^(?:0[1-9]|1[0-2]):[0-5][0-9] (am|pm|AM|PM)$/