How does this work?

Question

x = 5
print(x>>2<<x)
#32

Answer 1

1. Write 5 in binary with 8 bits. This is because computers take 8 bits.

00000101

2. x>>2 means add 2 zeroes on your left to shift the value to the right. It has to remain 8 bits, so 01 at the right end is removed.

00000001

3. 2<<x means add 5 zeroes on your right to shift the value to the left. It has to remain 8 bits, so the extra zeroes on the left end is removed.

00100000

4. Convert the obtained binary value to decimals. And your answer will be 32.

Answer 2

x << y

Returns x with the bits shifted to the left by y places (and new bits on the right-hand-side are zeros). This is the same as multiplying x by 2**y.

x >> y

Returns x with the bits shifted to the right by y places. This is the same as dividing xby 2**y.

Answer 3

Thanks! Edwin

Answer 4

Thanks! silentlearner