➕ C++ Operators – Full Guide to Arithmetic, Logical, Bitwise, and More (2025)
🧲 Introduction – What Are Operators in C++?
Operators in C++ are special symbols or keywords used to perform operations on variables and values. They are the backbone of every C++ program, enabling you to perform arithmetic, logic, comparison, assignment, memory access, and more. Operators take one or more operands and yield a result, forming the basis for expressions in C++.
🎯 In this overview, you’ll learn:
- What operators are in C++
- Classification of C++ operators
- Syntax patterns and examples
- A foundation for deeper operator topics
🧱 What Is an Operator?
An operator is a symbol that instructs the compiler to perform a specific mathematical, logical, or relational computation.
int a = 5 + 3; // '+' is an arithmetic operator
📘 Topics Covered
| 🔹 Operator Category | 📄 Description |
|---|---|
| ➕ C++ Arithmetic Operators | Perform basic math operations like +, -, *, /, % |
| 🔗 C++ Relational Operators | Compare values: ==, !=, <, >, <=, >= |
| 🧠 C++ Logical Operators | Combine conditions using &&, |
| 🧮 C++ Bitwise Operators | Manipulate individual bits: &, |
| 🎯 C++ Assignment Operators | Assign values and modify: =, +=, -=, *= |
| ❔ C++ Conditional (Ternary) Operator | Shorthand for if-else using ? : |
| 📏 C++ sizeof Operator | Returns the size of a type or variable in bytes |
| 🧾 C++ Comma Operator | Separates multiple expressions: expr1, expr2 |
| 🧷 C++ Pointer Operators | Access memory: * (dereference), & (address-of) |
| 🔁 C++ Casting Operators | Convert types explicitly using static_cast, dynamic_cast, etc. |
| 🧱 C++ Member Access Operators | Access members via ., ->, and scope resolution :: |
| ⚖️ C++ Operator Precedence | Order in which operators are evaluated in expressions |
| ➕ C++ Unary Operators | Work with one operand: ++, --, -, +, ! |
📂 Categories of C++ Operators
| 🧩 Category | 🔍 Purpose |
|---|---|
| ➕ Arithmetic | Perform basic math: +, -, *, /, % |
| 🔗 Relational | Compare values: ==, !=, <, >, <=, >= |
| 🧠 Logical | Combine conditions: &&, ` |
| 🧮 Bitwise | Work at the bit level: &, ` |
| 🎯 Assignment | Assign and update values: =, +=, -=, *= |
| ❔ Conditional (Ternary) | condition ? true_value : false_value |
| 📏 sizeof | Gives size in bytes: sizeof(int) |
| 🧾 Comma | Evaluate multiple expressions: a = (b=5, b+2); |
| 🧷 Pointer | Address-of & and dereference * |
| 🔁 Casting | Convert data types explicitly |
| 🧱 Member Access | Access object/class members: ., ->, :: |
| ➕ Unary | Operate on a single operand |
| ⚖️ Precedence | Determines evaluation order in complex expressions |
🧪 Example – Using Multiple Operators Together
int a = 10, b = 5;
int result = (a + b) * 2; // Arithmetic
bool isEqual = (a == b); // Relational
bool valid = isEqual || (a > b); // Logical
This example shows how different operators interact in expressions.
⚠️ Operator Precedence and Associativity
Operators are evaluated in a specific order known as precedence.
int result = 10 + 5 * 2; // Evaluates as 10 + (5 * 2) = 20
📘 * has higher precedence than +.
Associativity determines evaluation direction (left-to-right or right-to-left).
📌 Summary – Why Operators Matter
🔍 Key Takeaways:
- Operators form the core of C++ expression evaluation
- They’re grouped by function: arithmetic, logical, bitwise, etc.
- Precedence and associativity determine how expressions are parsed and computed
Operators make your code expressive and functional. From performing simple math to managing memory addresses or executing logic conditions, they are essential in all areas of software development.
⚙️ Real-World Relevance:
Whether you’re developing embedded systems, game engines, or backend services, operators help define logic, manage performance, and create readable, modular, and efficient code.
❓ FAQs – C++ Operators
❓ What is an operator in C++?
✅ It’s a symbol that tells the compiler to perform a specific operation on operands, like addition, comparison, or memory access.
❓ Which operator has the highest precedence in C++?
✅ The () (function call) and array [] access operators have the highest precedence.
❓ What is the difference between = and ==?
✅ = is the assignment operator, while == is used to compare values for equality.
❓ How does the ternary operator work?
✅ It works as a shorthand if-else: condition ? expr1 : expr2.
❓ Is sizeof() an operator or a function?
✅ sizeof is an operator, not a function, and it’s evaluated at compile-time.
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