C++ Bitwise XOR Operator

In C++, the bitwise XOR operator (^) is used to perform a bitwise exclusive OR operation between two integer operands.

Syntax

operand1 ^ operand2

Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a = 10; // binary: 1010
    int b = 7;  // binary: 0111
    int c = a ^ b;
    cout << "a ^ b = " << c << endl;
    return 0;
}

Output

a ^ b = 13

Explanation

In the above example, we have two integer variables "a" and "b". The bitwise XOR operator (^) is applied between the two variables, and the result is stored in another variable called "c".

Use

The bitwise XOR operator is often used in cryptography, error detection and correction, and other low-level operations involving binary data.

Important Points

• The bitwise XOR operator returns a 1 in each bit position where only one of the corresponding bits is 1.
• The bitwise XOR operation can be used to toggle individual bits in an integer.
• The bitwise XOR operator is commutative, which means operand order does not matter.
• The bitwise XOR operator can also be applied to char and bool types.

Summary

In summary, the bitwise XOR operator in C++ is used to perform a bitwise exclusive OR between two integer operands. It is often used in cryptography and other low-level operations involving binary data. The XOR operation can be used to toggle individual bits in an integer, and is commutative.