> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.syntblaze.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Python Right Shift
The `>>` operator is the bitwise right shift operator. It shifts the binary representation of an integer to the right by a specified number of bit positions. Because Python integers have arbitrary precision and are conceptually represented using an infinite-width two's complement format, the `>>` operator performs an *arithmetic* right shift, meaning it preserves the sign bit via sign extension.
## Syntax
```python theme={"dark"}
result = x >> y
```
* **`x` (Left Operand):** The integer whose bits will be shifted.
* **`y` (Right Operand):** The number of bit positions to shift `x` to the right. This must be a non-negative integer.
## Mathematical Equivalence
The operation `x >> y` is strictly equivalent to the floor division of `x` by $2^y$.
```python theme={"dark"}
x >> y == x // (2 ** y)
```
## Mechanical Behavior
### 1. Positive Integers
When shifting a positive integer, the rightmost `y` bits are discarded, and `y` number of `0` bits are conceptually shifted in from the left.
```python theme={"dark"}
x = 22 # Binary: ...0001 0110
y = 2
result = x >> y # Binary: ...0000 0101 (Decimal: 5)
```
### 2. Negative Integers
When shifting a negative integer, Python maintains the two's complement sign. The rightmost `y` bits are discarded, and `y` number of `1` bits are shifted in from the left to preserve the negative value. Because the operation equates to floor division, shifting a negative number rounds towards negative infinity.
```python theme={"dark"}
x = -22 # Binary: ...1110 1010
y = 2
result = x >> y # Binary: ...1111 1010 (Decimal: -6)
# Mathematical equivalent: -22 // (2 ** 2) == -22 // 4 == -6
```
### 3. Invalid Operands
The right operand (`y`) must be greater than or equal to zero. Attempting to shift by a negative number results in a `ValueError`.
```python theme={"dark"}
x = 10
result = x >> -1 # Raises ValueError: negative shift count
```
If either operand is not an integer, Python will attempt to invoke the `__rshift__` (on the left operand) or `__rrshift__` (on the right operand) dunder methods. If the types do not implement these methods for the given operands, Python raises a `TypeError`.
Tired of Poor Python Skills? Fix That With Deep Grasping!
Learn More
