Prefer Boring Direct Code

RUST-PREFER-BORING-DIRECT-CODE

Summary

Prefer explicit Rust control flow, types, and error handling over clever framework-shaped indirection. Use macros or abstractions when they remove real repetition or enforce real invariants.

Rule

Prefer boring direct Rust over clever framework-shaped code.

Why

Boring Rust makes ownership, error handling, and control flow visible. Framework-shaped or clever code can hide the simple path behind macros, callbacks, type tricks, or indirection that future maintainers must learn before changing behavior.

Helps

Helps maintainers and agents reason about ownership, control flow, and errors without learning an avoidable framework-shaped abstraction first.

Limits

Use macros, frameworks, or clever abstractions when they remove real repetition, enforce invariants, or match established ecosystem practice better than direct code.

Agent Instruction

Prefer boring direct Rust over clever framework-shaped code because boring Rust makes ownership, error
handling, and control flow visible.

Mechanisms

Prefer explicit functions, structs, enums, and matches. Introduce abstraction only after the repeated shape and its invariant are visible in working code.

References