bit-based swaping operation

[winecoding]

I recently read a function that swaps two variable based on bit operation

void swap(int &i, int &j)
{
     i = i ^ j;
     j = j ^ i;
     i = i ^ j;
}

Will this operation support generic data types or just work for integer type?
Thanks!

[Duthomhas]

It will work for anything that is the same size and memory alignment.
(But it isn't a good idea for anything but integers.)

[winecoding]

Duoas,

Can you explain more why it isn't a good idea for anything but integers? Thanks.

[Duthomhas]

Because when you start subverting the type safety built into the language then all bets are off.

[jsmith]

(and anything that supports a bit-wise XOR operation).

Duoas is answering the question based on the fact that your swap() function takes two ints,
rather than being a template that can take any arbitrary type. If you make it a template,
then your swap works for any type that supports a bit-wise XOR operation. If you don't,
then you have to cast the types to int first, then call the function, at which point Duoas'
answer applies.