In computer science, a mask is data that is used for bitwise operations, particularly in a bit field.
Using a mask, multiple bits in a byte, nibble, word (etc.) can be set either on, off or inverted from on to off (or vice versa) in a single bitwise operation.
Famous quotes containing the word mask:
“Vice, in its true light, is so deformed, that it shocks us at first sight; and would hardly ever seduce us, if it did not at first wear the mask of some virtue.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)