One_item_list = [atom1]. [A] = One_item_list. A = atom1. One item list may be pattern matched to H|T: [H|T] = One_item_list. H = atom1. T = []. [A,B] = One_item_list. ** exception error: no match of right hand side value [atom1] [A,B] = [1,2,3]. ** exception error: no match of right hand side value [1,2,3]