Bitwise OR Calculator
Compute bitwise OR (|) between two binary numbers to set and combine bit flags. Designed for software developers, electrical engineers, students, and computer architecture researchers requiring deterministic client-side accuracy.
Enter binary or decimal numbers.
Calculated Output
Step-by-Step Mathematical Proof
Active DerivationWhat Is Bitwise OR Calculator?
The Bitwise OR operator (|) compares corresponding bits of two operands. A bit in the result is 1 if at least one of the input bits is 1. The result is 0 only when both input bits are 0.
How Does It Work?
Apply the logical OR truth table across all columns: 0 | 0 = 0, 0 | 1 = 1, 1 | 0 = 1, 1 | 1 = 1.
Mathematical Algorithm
Step-by-Step Example
Important Rules & Edge Cases
- 0 | 0 = 0; all other combinations result in 1.
- ORing with 1 sets a bit; ORing with 0 leaves a bit unchanged.
Practical Applications in Engineering
- Setting configuration flags (e.g. flags |= FLAG_READ_ONLY).
- Combining color channels into single pixel values.
- Activating peripheral hardware pins in microcontrollers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Caution: Confusing bitwise OR (|) with logical OR (||).
- Caution: Thinking 1 | 1 produces 0 with carry (that is addition, not OR).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you set a specific bit to 1 in a register?
Use bitwise OR with a shifted bitmask: register |= (1 << bitIndex).
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