<< (left shift) \ Language (API) \ Processing 1.0
Author: Casey Reas & Ben Fry
Description: Processing is an electronic sketchbook for developing ideas. It is a context for learning fundamentals of computer programming within the context of the electronic arts.
Keywords: Processing, Processing, Interactive Media, Electronic Arts, Programming, Java, Ben Fry, Casey Reas

Reference for Processing version 1.5. If you have a previous version, use the reference included with your software. If you see any errors or have suggestions, please let us know. If you prefer a more technical reference, visit the Processing Javadoc.

Name | ### << (left shift)
Examples |
    int m = 1 << 3;   // In binary: 1 to 1000
    println(m);  // Prints "8"
    int n = 1 << 8;   // In binary: 1 to 100000000
    println(n);  // Prints "256"
    int o = 2 << 3;   // In binary: 10 to 10000
    println(o);  // Prints "16"
    int p = 13 << 1;  // In binary: 1101 to 11010
    println(p);  // Prints "26"
    // Packs four 8 bit numbers into one 32 bit number
    int a = 255;  // Binary: 00000000000000000000000011111111
    int r = 204;  // Binary: 00000000000000000000000011001100
    int g = 204;  // Binary: 00000000000000000000000011001100
    int b = 51;   // Binary: 00000000000000000000000000110011
    a = a << 24;  // Binary: 11111111000000000000000000000000
    r = r << 16;  // Binary: 00000000110011000000000000000000
    g = g << 8;   // Binary: 00000000000000001100110000000000

    // Equivalent to "color argb = color(r, g, b, a)" but faster
    color argb = a | r | g | b;
    fill(argb);
    rect(30, 20, 55, 55);
Description | Shifts bits to the left. The number to the left of the operator is shifted the number of places specified by the number to the right. Each shift to the left doubles the number, therefore each left shift multiplies the original number by 2. Use the left shift for fast multiplication or to pack a group of numbers together into one larger number. Left shifting only works with integers or numbers which automatically convert to an integer such at byte and char.
Syntax |
    value << n
Parameters |
value | int: the value to shift
n | int: the number of places to shift left
Usage | Web & Application
Related | >> (right shift)

Updated on August 30, 2010 04:29:39pm EDT