rust-pattern-matching

Non-exhaustive pattern match errors trigger compiler error E0004 when match arms do not cover all enum variants. Use exhaustive matching instead of catch-all arms to ensure future variants are handled explicitly, preventing hidden edge cases and fragile Rust code.

if let cleanly destructures Option and Result types when you only care about one specific variant, avoiding verbose match syntax. Use let else for early returns, while match enforces exhaustive checking across all potential Rust enum branches.

Common Rust pattern matching anti-patterns include manual panics inside match arms and deeply nested if let pyramids. Refactor these by using let else for early returns and applying or-patterns to combine related branches cleanly for safer code.

Use match guards to filter patterns conditionally within a match arm, and use @ bindings to capture the matched value while simultaneously testing its inner structure. Both enhance pattern syntax for complex Rust enum destructuring.

Yes, exhaustive matching serves as a reference for code review by checking Option and Result handling, verifying binding modes, and identifying anti-patterns. It ensures real-world Rust code handles edge cases safely without catch-all workarounds.