title: What does performing a byteswap mean?
body: <p>There is dozens of places discussing how to do different kinds of byteswapping, but I couldn't easily find a place explaining the concept and some typical examples of how the need to byteswap occurs.</p>
  
  <p>So here is the question: <em>what is byteswapping and why/when do I need to do it?</em></p>
  
  <p>If examples are a good way to explain, I would be happy if they where in standard C++. Book references are appreciated, preferentially to Lippman's or Pratas C++ primers since those are the one I have available.</p>