which of these two is better? void SetBit(int *flag, int bit) { *flag |= 1 << bit; } Or int SetBit(int flag, int bit) { flag |= 1 << bit; return flag; }
Personally, I feel it's best to use the entire int (or char or short or whatever) as the boolean flag. Sure it uses more memory but it's much more readable. Unless memory is a serious restriction, avoid bit-hacks when you can.