Python match statement

Python introduced the match statement in version 3.10.

It provides a clear and structured way to handle multiple conditions by matching a value against different patterns.

Think of match as a more expressive alternative to long if–elif–else chains.

Why the match Statement Exists

Before match, handling many conditions looked like this:

if command == "start":
    start_app()
elif command == "stop":
    stop_app()
elif command == "restart":
    restart_app()
else:
    print("Invalid command")

This works, but it does not scale well.

As conditions grow, readability drops and logic becomes fragile.

The match statement solves this problem.

Basic Syntax

match variable:
    case pattern1:
        # code
    case pattern2:
        # code
    case _:
        # default case

• match evaluates the variable
• case checks patterns
• _ acts like else (catch-all case)

Simple Example

1command = "start"
2
3match command:
4    case "start":
5        print("Application started")
6    case "stop":
7        print("Application stopped")
8    case "restart":
9        print("Application restarted")
10    case _:
11        print("Unknown command")

Output:

Application started

Matching Multiple Values

You can match multiple patterns in one case.

1status_code = 404
2
3match status_code:
4    case 200 | 201:
5        print("Success")
6    case 400 | 404:
7        print("Client error")
8    case 500:
9        print("Server error")
10    case _:
11        print("Unknown status")

This removes repetitive conditions and improves clarity.

Matching with Conditions (Guards)

Guards allow additional logic using if.

1age = 20
2
3match age:
4    case x if x < 18:
5        print("Minor")
6    case x if x >= 18 and x < 60:
7        print("Adult")
8    case _:
9        print("Senior")

The match statement checks the pattern first, then the condition.

Matching Data Structures

The real power of match appears when working with tuples and lists.

1point = (0, 5)
2
3match point:
4    case (0, 0):
5        print("Origin")
6    case (0, y):
7        print(f"On Y-axis at {y}")
8    case (x, 0):
9        print(f"On X-axis at {x}")
10    case (x, y):
11        print(f"Point at {x}, {y}")

This is called structural pattern matching.

When You Should Use match

Use match when:

• You have many discrete cases
• You are matching structured data
• Readability matters more than quick hacks
• You want predictable control flow

Avoid match when:

• You only have one or two conditions
• Logic depends heavily on ranges without structure

Key Rules You Must Remember

• Python checks cases top to bottom
• The first matching case is executed
• _ should always be the last case
• match is not a switch clone—it is more powerful

Conclusion

The match statement is not syntactic sugar. It represents a shift toward declarative, readable logic. If you misuse it, your code becomes clever garbage. If you use it correctly, your intent becomes obvious—and obvious code is professional code.