How do bitwise operators perform in Python compared to arithmetic operators?

How do bitwise operators perform in Python compared to arithmetic operators?

Bitwise operators in Python are generally faster than arithmetic operators because they operate directly on the binary representations of integers.

Can you give me an example of a bitwise operation?

Sure! For instance, using the bitwise AND operator (&) on two integers: 5 & 3 results in 1, since 5 is 101 in binary and 3 is 011.

What about the performance difference in large computations?

In large computations, bitwise operations can significantly reduce execution time, especially in scenarios involving flags or binary masks.

Are there any downsides to using bitwise operators?

Yes, while they are faster, bitwise operators can make code less readable and harder to maintain for those unfamiliar with binary operations.