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luc107.c

Problem Statement

Receive an unsigned 16-bit integer and exchange the contents of its 2 bytes using bitwise operators.

Metadata

Property Detail
Author Amit Dutta amitdutta4255@gmail.com
Date 08 Feb 2026
License MIT License (See the LICENSE file for details)
Difficulty Beginner (index: 1 / 10)

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Source Code

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main()
{
    unsigned short num, swapped;

    printf("Enter a 16-bit number (0-65535): ");
    scanf("%hu", &num);

    // Exchange bytes:
    // 1. (num & 0xFF00) >> 8 : Move High Byte to Low Byte position
    // 2. (num & 0x00FF) << 8 : Move Low Byte to High Byte position

    swapped = ((num & 0xFF00) >> 8) | ((num & 0x00FF) << 8);

    printf("Original: %hu (Hex: 0x%04X)\n", num, num);
    printf("Swapped:  %hu (Hex: 0x%04X)\n", swapped, swapped);

    return 0;
}

Explanation

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    You are explaining a C programming code to a beginner.

    STRICT RULES:

    - Only use the given code. Do NOT assume anything not present.

    - Do NOT add extra examples.

    - Keep explanation clear and short.

    - If something is unclear, say "Not clear from code".

    - Follow the exact format below. Do NOT change headings.

    FORMAT:

    [START]

    ## What it does

    (Explain the overall purpose in 1-2 sentences)

    ## Step-by-step

    (Explain how the code works in steps, simple language)

    ## Key Concepts

    (List concepts like loop, condition, function, etc.)

    ## Notes

    (Mention any limitations, errors, or assumptions)

    [END]

    CODE (luc107.c):

    #include <stdio.h>
    #include <stdlib.h>

    int main()
    {
        unsigned short num, swapped;

        printf("Enter a 16-bit number (0-65535): ");
        scanf("%hu", &num);

        // Exchange bytes:
        // 1. (num & 0xFF00) >> 8 : Move High Byte to Low Byte position
        // 2. (num & 0x00FF) << 8 : Move Low Byte to High Byte position

        swapped = ((num & 0xFF00) >> 8) | ((num & 0x00FF) << 8);

        printf("Original: %hu (Hex: 0x%04X)\n", num, num);
        printf("Swapped:  %hu (Hex: 0x%04X)\n", swapped, swapped);

        return 0;
    }