Why is \/ invalid in a regular expression?

[Roger L Costello <costello@mitre.org>]

Hi Folks,

The following simpleType is invalid:

    <xs:simpleType name="test">
        <xs:restriction base="xs:string">
            <xs:pattern value="([A-Z\/]{2,4})" />
        </xs:restriction>
    </xs:simpleType>

Why is the simpleType invalid? Because the regex in the pattern facet is invalid.

Why is the regex invalid? Because a backslash preceding a forward slash is invalid, i.e., \/ is invalid.

Why is \/ invalid? I have no idea. Anyone know why?

/Roger