Import/write segments as plaintext

[#1]

We often have to set up segments that cover a large number of individual values (20+) for individual analyses. It is very painful to create these segments in Reports & Analytics or AdHoc because the web application becomes less repsonive when we use a lot of conditions. I wonder if there is a way we could write the segments in plaintext (in whatever syntax needed), then import that text to the Segment Manager. It would greatly help automating our processes.

[#2]

This is a great idea. Thought probably not exactly what you are looking for is that you can create segments through the API. There is a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) version of the segment. This could be used to create a bunch of similar segments very quickly. You can make requests quickly through the API explorer (https://marketing.adobe.com/developer/api-explorer#Segments.Save ).

Like I said it isn't quite what you are suggesting but it might let you do what you need.

[#3]

In theory, the "matches"  operator in a segment builder should work for this purpose, so long as the values are against the same variables.

However, matches only supports a wildcard operator (*) and not an "OR" operator (|). I've always been a little confused by this limitation. It seems like it would be a very easy change. 

We'll sometimes use "contains any of" but that's insufficient for simple IDs or URL directory roots that need to be matched exactly.