Why should I use bitwise/bitmask in PHP?

Question

I am working on a user-role / permission system in PHP for a script.

Below is a code using a bitmask method for permissions that I found on phpbuilder.com.

B

Answer 1

Try using what is in the bit.class.php at http://code.google.com/p/samstyle-php-framework/source/browse/trunk/class/bit.class.php

Checking against a specific bit:

And to turn on and off: