What is the Python `match` statement (structural pattern matching, Python 3.10+) and how does it differ from a chain of `if/elif`?

Explanation

The Python `match` statement allows for structural pattern matching, evaluating patterns like sequence shapes, mapping keys, class attributes, guards, and OR patterns in a single statement. This differs from `if/elif` which only tests boolean expressions, making `match` semantically richer for complex data dispatch.

Key points

`match` evaluates patterns structurally, unlike `if/elif` which only tests boolean expressions
`match` can destructure data while matching, enhancing its capabilities for complex data dispatch
`if/elif` is limited to boolean expressions, while `match` can handle various data structures

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