📝 C++ Assignment Operators – Assign and Update Variables Efficiently

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🧲 Introduction – What Are Assignment Operators in C++?

Assignment operators in C++ are used to assign values to variables and update them during the execution of a program. These operators are fundamental for working with variables and expressions, and they include both basic and compound operators for concise value manipulation.

🎯 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The types of assignment operators
• Syntax and usage for each
• Shortcuts for arithmetic and bitwise assignments
• Best practices and common pitfalls

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✅ Basic Assignment Operator

Operator	Symbol	Description	Example	Result
Assign	=	Assigns right value to left	a = 10;	a = 10

int x;
x = 100;  // Assign 100 to x

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➕ Compound Assignment Operators

These combine arithmetic or bitwise operations with assignment.

Operator	Symbol	Equivalent To	Example	Result
Add and assign	+=	a = a + b	a += 5;	a = a + 5
Subtract and assign	-=	a = a - b	a -= 2;	a = a - 2
Multiply and assign	*=	a = a * b	a *= 3;	a = a * 3
Divide and assign	/=	a = a / b	a /= 2;	a = a / 2
Modulus and assign	%=	a = a % b	a %= 3;	a = a % 3
Bitwise AND assign	&=	a = a & b	a &= b;	bitwise AND
Bitwise OR assign	`	=`	`a = a	b`
Bitwise XOR assign	^=	a = a ^ b	a ^= b;	bitwise XOR
Left shift assign	<<=	a = a << b	a <<= 1;	shift left
Right shift assign	>>=	a = a >> b	a >>= 1;	shift right

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✏️ Example – Assignment Operators in Action

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a = 10;
    a += 5;   // a = 15
    a *= 2;   // a = 30
    a >>= 1;  // a = 15

    cout << "Final value: " << a << endl;
    return 0;
}

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake	✅ Fix
Using == instead of =	= is assignment; == is comparison
Forgetting variable initialization	Always initialize before using compound operators
Using assignment in conditions	Use == in if conditions unless intentionally assigning

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🧠 Best Practices

• Use compound operators to shorten code and improve readability
• Always ensure the variable is initialized before applying an operation
• Avoid using assignment = inside conditions unless required:

if ((x = getValue()) > 0)  // Wrapped in parentheses to show intent

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📌 Summary – Recap & Next Steps

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• = is the standard assignment operator
• Compound operators like +=, *= combine logic and assignment
• Assignment can be done with arithmetic and bitwise operators
• Be careful not to confuse = with == in conditions

⚙️ Real-World Relevance:
Assignment operators are used in loops, formulas, counters, data processing, and bit manipulation—forming the backbone of most C++ programs.

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❓ FAQs – C++ Assignment Operators

❓ What is the difference between = and ==?
✅ = assigns a value; == checks for equality.

❓ Can I use assignment operators on constants?
❌ No. Constants like const int x = 10; cannot be reassigned.

❓ Can assignment operators return values?
✅ Yes. x = y = 5; is valid because y = 5 returns 5, which is assigned to x.

❓ What is the order of evaluation in a += b *= 2;?
✅ Right to left. First b *= 2, then a += (result).

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