what does | mean in c++

The | symbol in C++ is the bitwise OR operator. It performs a bitwise OR operation between two operands.

Here's how it works:

1. Syntax: The symbol for the bitwise OR operator is |.
2. Usage: It's used between two operands in an expression, for example: result = a | b;
3. Operation: It performs a bitwise OR operation on each pair of corresponding bits of the operands.
4. Result: The resulting bit will be 1 if either of the corresponding bits of the operands is 1.
5. Example: If a is 5 (binary: 0101) and b is 3 (binary: 0011), then a | b will result in 7 (binary: 0111).

Remember, the bitwise OR operator operates on individual bits of the numbers provided and sets the resulting bit to 1 if either of the corresponding bits from the operands is 1.