REGEXP_REPLACE in SQL Server - Examples & AI Generator

Working with REGEXP_REPLACE in SQL Server can be more complex than in other databases, as native regex support doesn't directly exist in T-SQL. You often need to rely on TRANSLATE, REPLACE, or custom CLR functions for regex-based text replacements. Memorizing alternative workarounds and syntax can slow you down—especially when switching between SQL platforms. AI2sql eliminates this hassle by turning your natural-language prompts into production-ready REGEXP_REPLACE queries for SQL Server in seconds, with no coding or syntax memorization required.

REGEXP_REPLACE Syntax in SQL Server

SQL Server does not offer REGEXP_REPLACE as a native function (unlike Oracle or PostgreSQL). Instead, similar replacements are completed by:

• REPLACE(string, pattern, replacement), for simple static patterns

• TRANSLATE(string, from_chars, to_chars) for character-set replacements

• CLR integration for full regex support (needs setup)

Example syntax using SQLCLR (if enabled):

SELECT dbo.RegexReplace('Your text', '\\d+', 'X')

Note: Without SQLCLR, custom UDFs or workarounds are necessary. AI2sql generates compatible patterns instantly.

REGEXP_REPLACE Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Example 1: Masking Email Addresses in Customer Data

-- Requires RegexReplace function (SQLCLR) or similar
SELECT CustomerID, 
       dbo.RegexReplace(Email, '@.*', '@example.com') AS MaskedEmail
FROM Customers;

Business use: Hide sensitive parts of emails when exporting customer contact lists.

Example 2: Removing Special Characters from Product Names

SELECT ProductID, 
       dbo.RegexReplace(ProductName, '[^a-zA-Z0-9 ]', '') AS CleanName
FROM Products;

Business use: Standardize product names for reporting and external APIs.

Example 3: Standardizing Phone Numbers in Orders

SELECT OrderID,
       dbo.RegexReplace(Phone, '[^\\d]', '') AS StandardPhone
FROM Orders;

Business use: Remove formatting for consistent phone validation across systems.

Generate REGEXP_REPLACE queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual REGEXP_REPLACE Coding

• No syntax lookup: AI2sql instantly translates your intent into SQL Server-compatible patterns

• Faster workflow: Get REGEXP_REPLACE queries in 10 seconds—no coding required

• Works across databases: Seamless function style for SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and more

• Trusted worldwide: 50,000+ users across 80+ countries rely on AI2sql for accurate SQL generation

Try AI2sql Generator or Learn REGEXP_REPLACE for more details.

FAQ: REGEXP_REPLACE in SQL Server

• Does SQL Server support REGEXP_REPLACE natively?
  

  No—SQL Server doesn't have a built-in REGEXP_REPLACE. Use workarounds like CLR functions, or let AI2sql do the translation for you instantly.

• Can I use regex directly in T-SQL?
  

  Regex is not supported natively. However, you can enable SQLCLR or use AI2sql to generate ready-to-use functions quickly.

• How fast can I generate regex-based replacement queries?
  

  With AI2sql, you can generate optimized SQL Server REGEXP_REPLACE queries from natural language prompts in 10 seconds.

Conclusion

Dealing with REGEXP_REPLACE in SQL Server means knowing workarounds, custom functions, or enabling advanced features—which can be error-prone and time-consuming to learn. With AI2sql, you avoid coding and instantly generate the REGEXP_REPLACE SQL you need, adapted perfectly for SQL Server’s requirements. Ready to save hours on query writing? Generate Your First Query Now.