JavaScript - Bitwise Operations Part 1: Introduction to Bitwise Operators

What Are Bitwise Operators?

Bitwise operators work at the binary level, meaning they perform operations on the bits of numbers rather than their decimal values. JavaScript converts numbers to 32-bit signed integers before applying bitwise operations.

Common Bitwise Operators

AND (&) - Returns 1 if both bits are 1.

OR (|) - Returns 1 if at least one bit is 1.

XOR (^) - Returns 1 if the bits are different.

NOT (~) - Inverts all bits (one's complement).

Left Shift (<<) - Shifts bits left, filling with 0s.

Right Shift (>>) - Shifts bits right, keeping the sign.

Zero-Fill Right Shift (>>>) - Shifts right, filling with 0s.