Where would we use shift operators (<<, >>)?

[VitzzViperzz]

I just recently discovered C# has something called shift operators that shift the binary value of a number to the right or left. But where would this be useful?

The book I am readig just shows an example and not much explanation as to why they would be useful.

Thanks

 

[jmcilhinney]

One fairly common use is to store multiple smaller numeric values into one larger number. For instance, let's say that you wanted to store four bytes in an int:

int n = 0;
byte[] a = new byte[] {1, 2, 3, 4};

n = a[0];
n = (n << 8) | a[1];
n = (n << 8) | a[2];
n = (n << 8) | a[3];

The first 8 bits of the int are initially set using the 8 bits of the first byte. The int bits are all then shifted by 8 places and the first 8 bits set using the 8 bits of the second byte. All the bits are then shifted by 8 places twice more and the first 8 bits set again each time.

 

[VitzzViperzz]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I found various answers for this on StackOverflow.

I was wondering where you had gone. It's been a while since you posted anything.