Hello guys! I'm posting a question in "discuss" for the first time and appreciate your input :)

I came across bitwise manipulation while preparing for interviews. I found it to be really confusing espicially that I've never used it in my day to day work. My question is: what are the applications of bitwise manipulation (i.e. when is it so powerful) and is it a must-know for interviews? I mean if I was asked a question about it, is it OK to answer that I've never used it?

Thank you very much!