One pattern match? or multiple?

I know this must be a stupid question but:

let's suppose I am matching for one of multiple matches.
Is it better/faster to split it into several pattern matches or just keep it
one match?

ie: which would be better/faster?

/:\s*$|^\n$|\*|etc/;

/:\s*$/ || /^\n$/ || /\*/ || /etc/


and just for kicks, let's assume we are using this in a grep function for a
giant array.


Nikola Janceski

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the
source of all true art and science.
-- Albert Einstein (1879-1955) 


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• One pattern match? or multiple? by Nikola Janceski
• Re: One pattern match? or multiple? by Jonathan E. Paton