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[ARTICLE · art-145411] src=ziggit.dev ↗ pub= topic=developer-tools verified=true sentiment=· neutral

Binary operator error

Zig removed the `**` array multiplication syntax in version 0.17.0, according to the language's release notes, and forum user Nae told a Ziglings learner to replace `const bit_pattern_unit = [_]u8{ 1, 0, 0, 1 } ** 3;` with `@splat`. The learner's error, "binary operator '*' has whitespace on one side, but not the other," stems from running an outdated fork of the Ziglings exercises, and Nae pointed to the Codeberg repository at codeberg.org/ziglings/exercises for the current version.

read1 min views2 publishedOct 5, 2026
Binary operator error
Image: Ziggit (auto-discovered)

I need help finding an ziglings error, I tried many solutions including googlling and use ai. However I still have not found a way to fix this error, all help appreciated!

error: binary operator ‘*’ has whitepace on one side, but not the other

const bit_pattern_unit = [_]u8{ 1, 0, 0, 1 } ** 3;

 
 
[Nae](https://ziggit.dev/u/Nae)

2

This syntax has been removed. Which zigling exercise? I cannot grep ** in my version. Maybe you have an old fork, look in the codeberg repo.

Use @splat instead of the **, this has been removed in version 0.17.0.

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