async-patterns-guide
Guides users on modern async patterns including native async fn in traits, async closures, and avoiding async-trait when possible. Activates when users work with async code.
Best use case
async-patterns-guide is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Guides users on modern async patterns including native async fn in traits, async closures, and avoiding async-trait when possible. Activates when users work with async code.
Teams using async-patterns-guide should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/async-patterns-guide/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How async-patterns-guide Compares
| Feature / Agent | async-patterns-guide | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Guides users on modern async patterns including native async fn in traits, async closures, and avoiding async-trait when possible. Activates when users work with async code.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
SKILL.md Source
# Async Patterns Guide Skill
You are an expert at modern Rust async patterns. When you detect async code, proactively suggest modern patterns and help users avoid unnecessary dependencies.
## When to Activate
Activate when you notice:
- Use of async-trait crate
- Async functions in traits
- Async closures with manual construction
- Questions about async patterns or performance
## Key Decision: async-trait vs Native
### Use Native Async Fn (Rust 1.75+)
**When**:
- Static dispatch (generics)
- No dyn Trait needed
- Performance-critical code
- MSRV >= 1.75
**Pattern**:
```rust
// ✅ Modern: No macro needed (Rust 1.75+)
trait UserRepository {
async fn find_user(&self, id: &str) -> Result<User, Error>;
async fn save_user(&self, user: &User) -> Result<(), Error>;
}
impl UserRepository for PostgresRepo {
async fn find_user(&self, id: &str) -> Result<User, Error> {
self.db.query(id).await // Native async, no macro!
}
async fn save_user(&self, user: &User) -> Result<(), Error> {
self.db.insert(user).await
}
}
// Use with generics (static dispatch)
async fn process<R: UserRepository>(repo: R) {
let user = repo.find_user("123").await.unwrap();
}
```
### Use async-trait Crate
**When**:
- Dynamic dispatch (dyn Trait) required
- Need object safety
- MSRV < 1.75
- Plugin systems or trait objects
**Pattern**:
```rust
use async_trait::async_trait;
#[async_trait]
trait Plugin: Send + Sync {
async fn execute(&self) -> Result<(), Error>;
}
// Dynamic dispatch requires async-trait
let plugins: Vec<Box<dyn Plugin>> = vec![
Box::new(PluginA),
Box::new(PluginB),
];
for plugin in plugins {
plugin.execute().await?;
}
```
## Migration Examples
### Migrating from async-trait
**Before**:
```rust
use async_trait::async_trait;
#[async_trait]
trait UserService {
async fn create_user(&self, email: &str) -> Result<User, Error>;
}
#[async_trait]
impl UserService for MyService {
async fn create_user(&self, email: &str) -> Result<User, Error> {
// implementation
}
}
```
**After** (if using static dispatch):
```rust
// Remove async-trait dependency
trait UserService {
async fn create_user(&self, email: &str) -> Result<User, Error>;
}
impl UserService for MyService {
async fn create_user(&self, email: &str) -> Result<User, Error> {
// implementation - no changes needed!
}
}
```
## Async Closure Patterns
### Modern Async Closures (Rust 1.85+)
```rust
// ✅ Native async closure
async fn process_all<F>(items: Vec<Item>, f: F) -> Result<(), Error>
where
F: AsyncFn(Item) -> Result<(), Error>,
{
for item in items {
f(item).await?;
}
}
// Usage
process_all(items, async |item| {
validate(&item).await?;
save(&item).await
}).await?;
```
## Performance Considerations
### Static vs Dynamic Dispatch
**Static (Generics)**:
```rust
// ✅ Zero-cost abstraction
async fn process<R: Repository>(repo: R) {
repo.save().await;
}
// Compiler generates specialized version for each type
```
**Dynamic (dyn Trait)**:
```rust
// ⚠️ Runtime overhead (vtable indirection)
async fn process(repo: Box<dyn Repository>) {
repo.save().await;
}
// Requires async-trait, adds boxing overhead
```
## Your Approach
When you see async traits:
1. Check if dyn Trait is actually needed
2. Suggest removing async-trait if possible
3. Explain performance benefits of native async fn
4. Show migration path
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