Using shift operator for faster division and multiplication

pradeep's Avatar author of Using shift operator for faster division and multiplication
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This is an article on Using shift operator for faster division and multiplication in Programming.
Multiplications

12 * 2 = 12 << 1
12 * 4 = 12 << 2
12 * 8 = 12 << 3
12 * 16 = 12 << 4
12 * 32 = 12 << 5
12 * 64 = 12 << 6
12 * 128 = 12 << 7
12 * 256 = 12 << 8

Divisions

12 / 2 = 12 >> 1
12 / 4 = 12 >> 2
12 / 8 = 12 >> 3
12 / 16 = 12 >> 4
12 / 32 = 12 >> 5
12 / 64 = 12 >> 6
12 / 128 = 12 >> 7
12 / 256 = 12 >> 8


Code: C
#include<stdio.h>
 
 void main(void)
 {
   int a;
 
   a = 12 << 1;
 
   printf("%d",a);
 }
Invasive contributor
9Jul2009,02:55   #2
mayjune's Avatar
in machine terms,
for i12 / 256, 12 >> 8 is faster. Is that what you mean?
or just for easier calculations?
Contributor
17Apr2011,23:03   #3
teacher's Avatar
this method does not work if you have logic one at msb
for eg
Code: cpp
// before: binary equivalent 10000000 
uint_8 t = 128;
t<<1;
// after: decimal equivalent : 0
// after: binary equivalent 00000000