# init(fileDescriptor:) Creates and returns a file handle object associated with the specified file descriptor. ``` convenience init(fileDescriptor fd: Int32) ``` ## Parameters `fd` The POSIX file descriptor with which to initialize the file handle. This descriptor represents an open file or socket that you created previously. For example, when creating a file handle for a socket, you’d pass the value returned by the socket function. ## Return Value A file handle initialized with `fileDescriptor`. ## Discussion The file descriptor you pass in to this method isn’t owned by the file handle object. Therefore, you’re responsible for closing the file descriptor at some point after disposing of the file handle object. You can create a file handle for a socket by using the result of a `socket` call as `fileDescriptor`. ## See Also [`- closeFile`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/closeFile()) Disallows further access to the represented file or communications channel and signals end of file on communications channels that permit writing. --- 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)