encoding several variables into a byte

Question

I want to define a byte256 and I want to assign different sections of the byte to different variables, any literature or guidance is appreciated.

for further clarity I want to do something like

variable 0 = address 
variable 1 = address
variable 2 = value 
variable 3 = address
variable 5 = address
variable 4 = address

now Id want to do:

byte50:
    bit 0-10=  variable 0
    bit 10-20=  variable 1
    bit 20-30=  variable 2
    bit 30-40=  variable 3
    bit 40-50=  variable 4

I realize the above may not be correct at all(I'm just trying to give you an idea of what I'm trying to achieve). I would like to know firstly whether its feasible and if so how I should go on about it.

I have no idea how to handle this so I'd appreciate any pointers

Answer 1

You can find libraries useful for that. Search about memory optimization in Solidity. I’ll do for you as well and when found I’ll post the reference here.

It is a well known approach, not particularly efficient if managed in Solidity, easy to realize using assembly.

Found: read this https://link.medium.com/9cq5nlXqKT

In short it is suggested to write one function which access in writing and one which access in reading using a simple assembly in order to avoid to mask and shift. It is easy to do.