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This functions and gives the desired result:

{1, 0, 2, 0, 0} /. {x___, 0 ...} :> {x}

{1, 0, 2}

But with leading zeros it doesn't:

{0, 0, 1, 0, 2} /. {0 ..., x___} :> {x}

{0, 0, 1, 0, 2}

Why is that so? Is there a workaround?

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3 Answers 3

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From the docs of Longest:

The default is to have earlier patterns match shortest sequences

Therefore, use Longest for the zeros:

{0, 0, 1, 0, 2} /. {Longest[0 ...], x___} :> {x}

{1, 0, 2}

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    $\begingroup$ Or {0, 0, 1, 0, 2} /. {0 ..., Shortest[x___]} :> {x} $\endgroup$
    – andre314
    Oct 17, 2015 at 11:31
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Considering the efficiency,I will not use Pattern Match,this recommand a function Internal`DeleteTrailingZeros,which is intend to delete those zeros in tail.As your case:

Reverse[Internal`DeleteTrailingZeros[Reverse[{0, 0, 1, 0, 2}]]]

{1, 0, 2}

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a slight modification of the accepted answer:

{0, 0, 1, 0, 2, 0, 0} /. {Longest[0 ...], x___, 0 ...} :> {x} (* works with both leading and trailing zeros *)
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