title: php what is the equivalent of preg_match but does not require regex?
body: <p>In PHP is there an equivalent to <code>preg_match</code> that does not require the use of regex? There is <code>str_replace()</code> for <code>preg_replace</code>. Is there something for <code>preg_match</code>.</p>
  
  <p>*update * I am only looking to replace a known string with another. Using regex just seems like overkill.</p>
  
  <p>I have the string "This is a [test1], and not a [test2]" and I want to match them with "[test1]" and "[test2]".</p>