String Representation in Elixir

Strings are binaries

Elixir has datatypes and libraries for dealing with strings of data called bitstrings. A bitstring that’s a multiple of 8 bits is a binary. The operator for converting something to a bitstring is << >>. We can see them at work, like this:

Executable

Output

iex(1)> <<?C, ?A, ?B>>
"CAB"

While the <<>> operator looks like a sharp tool that could hurt us, we don’t have to worry. It’s a binary, and the most common Elixir strings are binaries manipulated and matched in ...