pattern matching
nounUK /ˈpætən ˈmætʃɪŋ/
US /ˈpætərn ˈmætʃɪŋ/
Pattern matching is when you look for things that are the same or follow a rule.
The computer uses pattern matching to find all the words that end with 'ing'.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In computer science, a way of checking data against a set shape or rule.
The program uses pattern matching to sort the emails into groups.
3. The act of spotting repeated designs or habits.
Scientists used pattern matching to study the birds' songs.
4. A method in math for finding sequences that fit a rule.
Pattern matching helped the students guess the next number.