C++Now 2014

Pattern matching is an abstraction mechanism that can greatly simplify source code. In particular, it provides an easier to use and faster alternative to the visitor design pattern, as well as simplifies other forms of case analysis on types. We present functional-style pattern matching for C++ implemented as a library called Mach7. The solution is non-intrusive and is open to both the introduction of new patterns and the extensibility of classes. This presentation will concentrate on some design choices, implementation details, initial user feedback, and other factors that shaped the library. The presentation is intended for a broad audience of developers interested in pattern matching and how it can be brought into an object-oriented language like C++ without restricting the existing language facilities.