smallbitfield

Smallbitfield is a C++ library designed for efficient manipulation of bitfields within small integer types. It provides a way to represent and access individual bits or groups of bits within primitive integer types like `uint8_t`, `uint16_t`, and `uint32_t`. The library aims to offer a more readable and potentially safer alternative to manual bitwise operations, especially when dealing with embedded systems or performance-critical code where memory usage and bit-level control are important.

The core concept of smallbitfield revolves around defining named bitfields within a given integer type. This allows developers to assign meaningful names to specific bit positions or ranges, improving code clarity. For example, instead of using obscure masks and shifts like `(value >> 2) & 0x03`, one could define a bitfield named `status_code` occupying bits 2 and 3, and access it directly as `my_object.status_code`.

Smallbitfield typically generates a proxy object or uses templates to provide this abstraction. When reading a bitfield, it performs the necessary bitwise operations internally to extract the correct bits and return their value. When writing to a bitfield, it modifies the underlying integer type by clearing the relevant bits and then setting them with the new value. The library often prioritizes zero-overhead abstractions, aiming to produce code that is as efficient as hand-written bitwise operations. This makes it suitable for constrained environments.