This post provides a brief overview of Luc Maranget’s algorithm for compiling pattern matching to decision trees. The author appreciates this formalization because it has a straightforward implementation and results in reasonable decision trees for most practical instances of pattern matching in functional programming. The algorithm utilizes a pattern matrix, occurrence vector, and action vector to perform transformations and determine successful matches. The post explains the construction of the pattern matrix, the process of specialization, and the concept of defaulting. The author also discusses the importance of column swapping and provides an annotated example of the algorithm in action.
https://compiler.club/compiling-pattern-matching/