a^=b?

Question

In a challenge question, two variables a and b were passed by reference and they were made to undergo this operation :

a^=b;
b^=a;
a^=b;

What does this do?

Answer 1

ooh i puzzeled it with smthing else..

^ is binary XOR OPERATOR

a^b=40

it means 00101000
binary of 40 is 101000

It copies the bit if it is set inone operand but not both.

Answer 2

a=2 (010); b=6 (110) //(binary)

a^=b; //a=a^b -- 010 xor 110 = 100 a
b^=a; //b=b^a -- 110 xor 100 = 010 b
a^=b; //a=a^b -- 100 xor 010 = 110 a

now: a=6 (110) and b=2 (010)

interchanged values

note: this could be a quiz on JavaScript, who votes up 👍

Answer 3

It swops the values of a&b

Answer 4

No it doesn't. I have seen the swapping code, it uses a third variable, else we add the numbers in beginning when swapping by two variables :/ I don't think that's the right answer.

Answer 5

It does swop I checked

Answer 6

You don't need a third variable you need manipulation

Answer 7

@sayan bro, i know we can swap using only two variables. I added that in my response. Thanks though :)

@Vengat, yea i guess it swaps. I tried it too. Is there a name for this operator? I'll just learn more about it online :)

Answer 8

Ohhh... Well then I guess that much info should do. I'll search it up man. Thanks

Answer 9

I mean, your code swops the variables

Answer 10

I dunno, it is a bitwise operator all I care

Answer 11

It's okay.
*yawns* good night

Answer 12

### BUT IT IS A SWAPPING METHOD###
BINARY SWAPPING
WITHOUT THIRD VARIABLE

Answer 13

&
|
^
<<
>>
~

6 in total bitwise operator...

Answer 14

u can swap without using a third variable brother...
##
@ siraz

Answer 15

a=5
b=6
a=a+b
b=a-b
a=a-b

swapping