What does the << operator do in C++?
<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Possible Duplicate:</strong><br>
  <a href="http://stackoverflow.com/questions/10588748/what-is-the-operator-in-c">What is the “&lt;&lt;” operator in C++?</a>  </p>
</blockquote>



<p>In a piece of code I am looking at, the following takes place:</p>

<pre><code>... (header[4] &lt;&lt; 8) + header[5] ...
</code></pre>

<p>I'm fairly new to programming and have never seen the &lt;&lt; operator before. Googling didn't provide any results. Any quick pointers would be appreciated!</p>
