Method and apparatus for specifying properties using regular expression parameterization

摘要

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates using regular expression parameterization to specify properties in tables in a computer system. During operation, the system receives a configuration file, wherein the configuration file contains lines that specify values for properties to be stored in rows of one or more the tables in the computer system. Next, the system processes lines in the configuration file, wherein processing a given line involves, reading a key-property list from the given line, and using property-value pairs from the key-property list to match properties in one or more rows in a table. Processing the given line also involves reading a property-value list from the given line, and using property-value pairs from the property-value list to update values for one or more properties in the matching rows. During this process, the given line can contain regular expressions that cause the system to perform parameter substitution by picking up one or more parameters while matching properties in the key property list, and then substituting the parameters into updates specified by the property-value list.