# dispatch_io_create_with_path Creates a dispatch I/O channel with the associated path name. ``` extern dispatch_io_tdispatch_io_create_with_path(dispatch_io_type_t type, const char *path, int oflag, mode_t mode, dispatch_queue_t queue, void (^cleanup_handler)(int error)); ``` ## Parameters `type` The type of channel to create. For a list of possible options, see [`dispatch_io_type_t`](/documentation/Dispatch/dispatch_io_type_t). `path` The file system path to open and use for the channel I/O. This path is opened using the open system call. `oflag` The flags to pass to the open function when opening the path. `mode` The mode to pass to the open function when creating a file at the specified path. If you are not creating a file, specify `0`. `queue` The dispatch queue to associate with the channel. This queue is used to execute the channel’s clean up handler. The channel retains this queue. `cleanup_handler` The block to enqueue when the system relinquishes control of the channel’s file descriptor. This channel takes a single parameter that indicates the reason why control was relinquished. If the `error` parameter contains a non zero value, control was relinquished because there was an error creating the channel; otherwise, this value should be `0`. ## Return Value The dispatch I/O channel or `NULL` if an error occurred. The returned object is retained before it is returned; it is your responsibility to close the channel and then release this object when you are done using it. ## Discussion This function associates the specified path with the channel but does not open a file descriptor for that path until you perform the first I/O operation. While it is open, the channel owns the file descriptor. The channel closes the file descriptor and calls its cleanup handler when one of the following occurs: - You close the channel by calling the [`dispatch_io_close`](/documentation/Dispatch/dispatch_io_close) function. - An unrecoverable error occurs on the file descriptor. - All references to the channel are released. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)