C++ Operators

Types of C++ Operators

int sum = 5 + 3;  // 8
int diff = 10 - 4; // 6

bool result = (5 > 3);  // true
bool equal = (4 == 4);   // true

bool and_op = true && false; // false
bool or_op = true || false;  // true

int x = 10;
x += 5;  // x becomes 15

🔹 Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /, %) perform basic mathematical computations on numeric data types. They are fundamental to all programming tasks, from simple calculations to complex algorithms. The modulus operator (%) is particularly useful for finding remainders, checking divisibility, or cycling through ranges. Understanding operator precedence and potential issues like integer division truncation or floating-point precision is key to writing accurate numerical code.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a = 20, b = 6;
    
    cout << "Addition: " << a + b << endl;      // 26
    cout << "Subtraction: " << a - b << endl;  // 14
    cout << "Multiplication: " << a * b << endl; // 120
    cout << "Division: " << a / b << endl;     // 3
    cout << "Modulus: " << a % b << endl;      // 2
    
    return 0;
}

🔹 Comparison Operators

Comparison operators (==, !=, >, <,>=, <=) evaluate relationships between two values, returning a boolean true or false. They are the backbone of conditional statements and loops, enabling decision-making in programs. Proper use involves ensuring operands are compatible types and being wary of floating-point comparisons due to precision issues. These operators control program flow and logic gates in everything from sorting algorithms to user authentication.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int x = 10, y = 5;
    
    cout << "x == y: " << (x == y) << endl;  // 0 (false)
    cout << "x != y: " << (x != y) << endl;  // 1 (true)
    cout << "x > y: " << (x > y) << endl;    // 1 (true)
    cout << "x < y: " << (x < y) << endl;    // 0 (false)
    cout << "x >= y: " << (x >= y) << endl;  // 1 (true)
    
    return 0;
}

🔹 Assignment Operators

Assignment operators (=, +=, -=, *=, /=, %=) store values in variables and can combine arithmetic with assignment for conciseness. The basic = operator assigns a value, while compound operators (like +=) modify the variable's current value. For example, x += 5 is shorthand for x = x + 5. Using compound operators makes code more compact and often more readable, while also providing hints to the compiler for potential optimization.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int num = 10;
    cout << "Initial: " << num << endl;
    
    num += 5;  // num = num + 5
    cout << "After +=5: " << num << endl;
    
    num -= 3;  // num = num - 3
    cout << "After -=3: " << num << endl;
    
    num *= 2;  // num = num * 2
    cout << "After *=2: " << num << endl;
    
    return 0;
}