Why do cin and cout use << and >>
<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Possible Duplicate:</strong><br>
  <a href="http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4854248/why-are-bitwise-shifts-and-used-for-cout-and-cin">Why are bitwise shifts (&lt;&lt; and &gt;&gt;) used for cout and cin?</a>  </p>
</blockquote>



<p>I understand that cout and cin overload the bitwise operators &lt;&lt; and >>. However, most of the time functions and tools use arguments or parameters to pass information. </p>

<p>Is there a reason in the grand history of C++ that has lead to this being the case? </p>

<p>I know this is a rudimentary thing, but I am fairly new to C++ and searching SO and Google, as well as asking a few folks, has not turned up a good answer.</p>
