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Mask (computing)
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Computer_science/lN3pEyPz">computer science</a>, a mask or bitmask is data that is used for <a href="/facts/Bitwise_operation/0gkqnUda">bitwise operations</a>, particularly in a <a href="/facts/Bit_field/fWgTjqvX">bit field</a>. Using a mask, multiple bits in a <a href="/facts/Byte/BNHUp9Qq">byte</a>, <a href="/facts/Nibble/PUaqCEVw">nibble</a>, <a href="/facts/Word_(computer_architecture)/2e5umRaj">word</a>, etc. can be set either on or off, or inverted from on to off (or vice versa) in a single bitwise operation. An additional use of masking involves <a href="/facts/Predication_(computer_architecture)/aMmSHLLs">predication</a> in <a href="/facts/Vector_processing/nYAsIKT0">vector processing</a>, where the bitmask is used to select which element operations in the vector are to be executed (mask bit is enabled) and which are not (mask bit is clear). </p>