# load() Dynamically loads the bundle’s executable code into a running program, if the code has not already been loaded. ``` func load() -> Bool ``` ## Return Value if the method successfully loads the bundle’s code or if the code has already been loaded, otherwise . ## Discussion You can use this method to load the code associated with a dynamically loaded bundle, such as a plug-in or framework. Prior to OS X version 10.5, a bundle would attempt to load its code—if it had any—only once. Once loaded, you could not unload that code. In macOS 10.5 and later, you can unload a bundle’s executable code using the [`unload()`](/documentation/Foundation/Bundle/unload()) method. You don’t need to load a bundle’s executable code to search the bundle’s resources. This method initializes the principal class in the bundle. To add code you want executed after loading, override the class method of the principal class. ### Special Considerations If an `NSBundle` object calls the [`load()`](/documentation/Foundation/Bundle/load()) method, it calls the [`unload()`](/documentation/Foundation/Bundle/unload()) method before being deallocated. Therefore, you should retain any `NSBundle` object for as long as any code from it is used by the app. ## See Also [`principalClass`](/documentation/Foundation/Bundle/principalClass) The bundle’s principal class. [`classNamed(_:)`](/documentation/Foundation/Bundle/classNamed(_:)) Returns the `Class` object for the specified name. --- 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)