The compiler could not infer a type and asked for a type annotation. Erroneous code example: ```compile_fail,E0282 let x = Vec::new(); ``` This error indicates that type inference did not result in one unique possible type, and extra information is required. In most cases this can be provided by adding a type annotation. Sometimes you need to specify a generic type parameter manually. In the example above, type `Vec` has a type parameter `T`. When calling `Vec::new`, barring any other later usage of the variable `x` that allows the compiler to infer what type `T` is, the compiler needs to be told what it is. The type can be specified on the variable: ``` let x: Vec = Vec::new(); ``` The type can also be specified in the path of the expression: ``` let x = Vec::::new(); ``` In cases with more complex types, it is not necessary to annotate the full type. Once the ambiguity is resolved, the compiler can infer the rest: ``` let x: Vec<_> = "hello".chars().rev().collect(); ``` Another way to provide the compiler with enough information, is to specify the generic type parameter: ``` let x = "hello".chars().rev().collect::>(); ``` Again, you need not specify the full type if the compiler can infer it: ``` let x = "hello".chars().rev().collect::>(); ``` Apart from a method or function with a generic type parameter, this error can occur when a type parameter of a struct or trait cannot be inferred. In that case it is not always possible to use a type annotation, because all candidates have the same return type. For instance: ```compile_fail,E0282 struct Foo { num: T, } impl Foo { fn bar() -> i32 { 0 } fn baz() { let number = Foo::bar(); } } ``` This will fail because the compiler does not know which instance of `Foo` to call `bar` on. Change `Foo::bar()` to `Foo::::bar()` to resolve the error.