Software Practices

Prefer Expect For Lint Suppressions

RUST-PREFER-EXPECT-FOR-LINT-SUPPRESSIONS

RustToolingAutomationReviewability
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Summary

Use #[expect] for targeted lint suppressions that should disappear when the warning is fixed. Reserve broad allow attributes for deliberate policy choices that are not expected to expire.

Rule

Prefer #[expect] over #[allow] when suppression should be revisited.

Why

#[allow] can silently outlive the reason it was added. #[expect] records that a lint is intentionally triggered and lets the compiler report when the expectation no longer matches the code.

Helps

Helps suppressions fail when they stop being needed, preventing stale allow attributes from hiding fixed warnings forever.

Limits

Use allow when the lint is intentionally disabled for a broad module or crate policy and the suppression is not expected to disappear.

Agent Instruction

Use `#[expect]` for lint suppressions that should disappear once the warning is fixed.

Mechanisms

Use #[expect(lint, reason = "...")] for targeted suppressions, include a reason, and let CI catch unfulfilled expectations.

References