Java Operators: Meaning and Types Explained

While learning Java, you will come across the concept of operators. What is a Java operator? Java operators are symbols useful for performing operations on variables. They also help manipulate the values of the operands.

The different Java operators are useful for performing various functions. Dive into this article to learn more about Java operators, their types, and their importance.

Why are Operators Important in Java Programming?

Once you know what is a Java operator, you must consider its importance. You should know that operators in Java are extremely vital. Without Java operators, you won’t be able to make logical, arithmetic calculations in different programs.

According to the type of Java operators, they manipulate a logical or arithmetic value or operand in a certain way to deliver a specific outcome. Operators in Java play a crucial role in the programming world by dealing with simple arithmetic functions and executing complex algorithms. Java operators are also responsible for key functions like security encryption. 

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Major Types of Operators in Java 

Now that you know what is a Java operator, you should learn about the different types of operators in Java.

• Arithmetic Operators
• Ternary Operators
• Bitwise Operator
• Relational Operators
• Logical Operators
• Unary Operators
• Assignment Operator
• Shift Operator in Java

1. Arithmetic Operators in Java

   Arithmetic operators in Java are useful for executing addition, multiplication, division, subtraction, and modulus. As you can see, these operators in Java are valuable for mathematical operations.

   Examples of Arithmetic Operators (Kindly put all the code related content in a highlighted section)

   public class Herovired {  
   public static void main ( String[] args ) {  
   int a = 10;  
   int b = 20;  
   System.out.println ( a + b );  
   System.out.println ( a – b );  
   System.out.println ( a * b );  
   System.out.println ( a / b );  
   System.out.println ( a % b );
   }
   }
   

2. Ternary Operators in Java

   The ternary operator in Java is conditional. These Java operators can help minimize the line of code while making comparisons. The ternary operator in Java is a replacement for nested if-else or if-else statements. Sometimes, the ternary operator in Java is also called the conditional operator, inline if, or ternary if.

   Examples of Ternary Operator Java

   public class Herovired {  
   public static void main ( String args[] ) {  
   int a = 4;  
   int b = 9;  
   int min = ( a

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3. Bitwise Operator in Java

   The bitwise operator in Java operates on a bit array, bit string, or binary number. The fast and simple operator in Java is directly supported by the processor. You can also refer to the bitwise operation as bit-level programming.

   Examples of Bitwise Operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
   public static void main( String[] args ) {
   int a = 58; 
               int b = 13; 
           	System.out.println ( a&b );  
          	System.out.println ( a|b );  
           	System.out.println ( a^b );  
           	System.out.println ( ~a );  
   	}
   	}
   

4. Relational Operators in Java

   The relational operators in Java can compare two numbers to deliver a boolean value. This operator can be useful for defining a test or relation between two operands. 

   Examples of Relational operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
   public static void main ( String[] args ) {
               	int a = 10;
               	int b = 20;
               	System.out.println ( a < b ); System.out.println( a > b ); 
               	System.out.println ( a <= b ); System.out.println (a >= b ); 
                System.out.println ( a == b ); 
                System.out.println ( a != b ); 
                }
                }
   

   Find out about constructors in Java

5. Logical Operators in Java

   Logical operators in Java help combine two or more conditions. It is useful for performing the original condition under consideration.

   Examples of Logical Operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
   public static void main ( String args[] ) {
                int a = 5;
                System.out.println ( a<5 && a<20 );
                System.out.println ( a<5 || a<20 );
                System.out.println ( ! ( a<5 && a<20 ));
   }  
   }
   

6. Unary Operators in Java

   The unary operators in Java demand a single operand. These Java operators can increase or decrease the value. As a result, an expression becomes negative, or the boolean value gets inverted.

   Examples of Unary Operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
   public static void main ( String[] args ) {  
   int a = 10;  
   boolean b = True;
   System.out.println ( a++ );
   System.out.println ( ++a );
   System.out.println ( a-- );  
   System.out.println ( --a );
   System.out.println ( !b );
   }
   }
   

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7. Assignment Operators in Java

   The assignment operators in Java are beneficial for allocating new values to a variable. In assignment operators in Java, the left side is called a variable. The right side of these Java operators is called value.

   Examples of Assignment Operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
   public static void main ( String[] args ) {
   int a = 10;
   int b = 20;
   int c;
   System.out.println ( c = a ); 
   System.out.println ( b += a );
   System.out.println ( b -= a);
   System.out.println ( b *= a );
   System.out.println ( b /= a );
   System.out.println ( b ^= a );
   System.out.println ( b %= a );
   }
   }
   

8. Shift Operator in Java

   The shift operator in Java can transfer bits of a number to the left or right. The shift can be performed by dividing or multiplying the numbers. 

   Examples of Shift Operators in Java

   public class Herovired {
         	public static void main ( String args[] ) {
               	int a = 58; 
           	System.out.println ( a<<2 ); System.out.println ( a>>2 ); 
   	}
   	}
   

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Comparison of Types of Operators in java

expr++ expr--

++expr --expr +expr -expr ~ !

* / %

+ -

<< >> >>>

< > <= >= instanceof

== !=

&

^

|

&&

||

? :

= += -= *= /= %= &= ^= |= <<= >>= >>>=

Conclusion

Operators in Java play a crucial role in performing several data operations. Every type of Java operator has its own specific set of functions. Some Java operators are used more frequently than others. But every operator in Java is used when the need arises. If you want to become proficient in Java, you must possess in-depth knowledge about what is a Java operator.