Hello - I am trying to find a way to search for several possible terms using regexp_instr but preferentially return the starting position of a preferred term.
I may not be constructing the regexp below properly or efficiently, but assuming it is valid, here is an example of what I am trying to do.
regexp_instr(NOTE_TXT,'final\s{1,4}decision\S*\s*',1,1,0,'i')
Terms that could be present in NOTE_TXT ("final' can be followed by 1 - 4 spaces):
final decisions final decision: final decision
Any of these terms could be present or absent, and in any order. But if a term is present, it typically appears only once. The term “final decisions” is preferred and is always directly followed by useful text. Term “final decision:” may also be present but is typically followed by less useful text. Term “final decision” is rarely followed by any useful verbiage.
Is there a way to use Oracle's regexp_instr in the way I am envisioning? Thanks for any ideas or opinions on this question.