What are the correct regular expressions for syntax highlighting?

Question

What are the correct regular expressions using NSRegularExpression for syntax highlighting?

The following test must be passed:

code // comment
code /* c         


        

Answer 1

Using PCRE, the (?s) modifier is a single-line mode, where . can even match newlines.

(?ms)(//[^\n]+|/\*.*?\*/)

Live example

You will notice that the second-to-last line, with nested /* /* */ */ will ONLY match the first /* to the first */, and will not match the */ at the end of the line (which is actually correct behavior).

Answer 2

I think it's impossible in global sense (not just on the sample). So, regexp cann't be used for syntax highlighting.