### Setting a bit

Use the bitwise OR operator (|) to set a bit.

`number |= 1 << x;`

That will set bit x.

### Clearing a bit

Use the bitwise AND operator (&) to clear a bit.

`number &= ~(1 << x);`

That will clear bit x. You must invert the bit string with the bitwise NOT operator (~), then AND it.

### Toggling a bit

The XOR operator (^) can be used to toggle a bit.

`number ^= 1 << x;`

That will toggle bit x.

### Checking a bit

You didn't ask for this but I might as well add it.

To check a bit, shift the number x to the right, then bitwise AND it:

`bit = (number >> x) & 1;`

That will put the value of bit x into the variable bit.

### Changing the nth bit to x

Setting the nth bit to either 1 or 0 can be achieved with the following:

`number ^= (-x ^ number) & (1 << n);`

Bit n will be set if x is 1, and cleared if x is 0.