bitmask logic

bitmask_logic.c

#include <stdio.h>

/*
Common bitmask operators and logic:

1. AND (&)
Purpose: Clear (set to 0) specific bits or only show bits that are already set.
Example: result = value & mask;
Keeps bits that are 1 in both value and mask.
2. OR (|)
Purpose: Set specific bits to 1.
Example: result = value | mask;
Sets bits to 1 where the mask has bits set to 1.
3. XOR (^)
Purpose: Toggle specific bits.
Example: result = value ^ mask;
Toggles bits where the mask has bits set to 1.
4. NOT (~)
Purpose: Invert all bits.
Example: result = ~value;
Flips all bits in value.
*/

int main() {
    unsigned char value = 0b10101111; // Example value
    unsigned char mask = 0b00001100;  // Example mask

    // Clearing specific bits
    unsigned char clear_bits = value & ~mask;
    // Setting specific bits
    unsigned char set_bits = value | mask;
    // Toggling specific bits
    unsigned char toggle_bits = value ^ mask;
    // Showing only set bits
    unsigned char show_set_bits = value & mask;

    printf("Original value:      0b%08b\n", value);
    printf("Mask:                0b%08b\n", mask);
    printf("Cleared bits:        0b%08b\n", clear_bits);
    printf("Set bits:            0b%08b\n", set_bits);
    printf("Toggled bits:        0b%08b\n", toggle_bits);
    printf("Show only set bits:  0b%08b\n", show_set_bits);

    return 0;
}