Bit Field

Definitions

1. A compact representation in which multiple boolean flags or small numeric values are packed into specific bits within a larger integer or word. Bit fields are common in protocols, binary formats, low-level APIs, and performance-sensitive code where space efficiency matters.

   In plain English: A compact way of storing several small flags or values inside one integer's bits.

   Example: "The packet header used a bit field for flags, so the parser had to mask and shift the correct bits before interpreting the payload options."

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