Bitwise Operators

[Jared Contrascere]

Hey,

I understand what Bitwise Operators are... and what they do, but what are
they good for? The only thing I can think of is quick mathematics (because
it doesn't really have to be computed) at a sacrifice of losing data. Can
anyone explain what they are good for?

Thanks,
Jared

 

[Victor Bazarov]

I understand what Bitwise Operators are... and what they do, but what are
they good for? The only thing I can think of is quick mathematics (because
it doesn't really have to be computed) at a sacrifice of losing data. Can
anyone explain what they are good for?

If you have some kind of flag set, which you might want to keep
in a single integral variable (instead of in a bunch of bools),
the simplest way to set such flag is the bitwise OR, to clear or
check it is bitwise AND.

Victor