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# MLDataValueConvertible

A type that can convert itself to and from a data value.

```
protocol MLDataValueConvertible
```

## Overview

You can use any type that conforms to the [`MLDataValueConvertible`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValueConvertible)
protocol in an [`MLDataValue`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValue) or an [`MLDataTable`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataTable). For example, you can
create a data table by using its [`init(dictionary:)`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataTable/init(dictionary:))
initializer with a
`[`<doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/String>`: ``MLDataValueConvertible``]` dictionary.

## Topics

### Converting from a data value to a type’s instance

[`init()`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValueConvertible/init())

Creates a new default instance of the conforming type when a data value
is missing or invalid.

[`init(from:)`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValueConvertible/init(from:))

Creates an instance of the conforming type from a data value.

### Converting from a type’s instance to a data value

[`dataValue`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValueConvertible/dataValue)

The value of the conforming type’s instance wrapped in a data value.

[`dataValueType`](/documentation/CreateML/MLDataValueConvertible/dataValueType)

The underlying type the conforming type uses when it wraps itself in a
data value.


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