RegExp compile()Limited availability
The compile() method of RegExp objects recompiles an existing regular expression object using a new pattern and flags.
Not yet supported in all major browsers — check the table and provide a fallback.
Discouraged: The compile() method duplicates behavior of the RegExp() constructor and it exists only for backwards compatibility.
Browser support
DesktopChrome
1+Supportedsince Dec 11, 2008
Current: 155Edge
12+Supportedsince Jul 29, 2015
Current: 154Firefox
1+Supportedsince Nov 9, 2004
Current: 157Safari
1–3Not supported
3.1+Supportedsince Mar 18, 2008
Current: 27MobileChrome Android
18+Supportedsince Jun 27, 2012
Current: 155Firefox Android
4+Supportedsince Mar 29, 2011
Current: 157Safari iOS
1–1Not supported
2+Supportedsince Jul 11, 2008
Current: 27How to use
Support is still inconsistent across browsers. Use feature detection and test carefully.
Example
Full syntax and examples are on MDN: compile.
Feature detection
JS · check before using
if ("compile" in RegExp || ("prototype" in RegExp && "compile" in RegExp.prototype)) {
// RegExp.compile is available
}