When working with binary data, it can be helpful to count the number of set bits (bits with a value of 1) in a binary representation. In C++, the std::bitset class provides a convenient way to work with individual bits.

To count the set bits in a std::bitset, we can utilize the count member function. Let’s take a look at an example:

#include <iostream>
#include <bitset>

int main() {
    std::bitset<8> binaryData("11001010");

    int setBitsCount = binaryData.count();

    std::cout << "Number of set bits: " << setBitsCount << std::endl;

    return 0;
}

In the example above, we create a std::bitset named binaryData with a size of 8 bits and initialize it with the binary value 11001010. We then use the count member function to determine the number of set bits in the bitset. Finally, we print the result.

The output of this program will be:

Number of set bits: 5

In this case, there are 5 set bits in the std::bitset.

Using the count member function of std::bitset is a simple and efficient way to count set bits in C++. It provides a clean and readable solution for this common programming task.

#c++ #bit-manipulation