# init(forReadingFromURL:) Returns a file handle initialized for reading the file, device, or named socket at the specified URL. ``` convenience init(forReadingFromURL url: URL) throws ``` ## Parameters `url` The URL of the file, device, or named socket to access. ## Return Value The initialized file handle object or `nil` if no file exists at `url`. ## Discussion The file pointer is set to the beginning of the file. You cannot write data to the returned file handle object. Use the [`readDataToEndOfFile()`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readDataToEndOfFile()) or [`readData(ofLength:)`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readData(ofLength:)) methods to read data from it. When using this method to create a file handle object, the file handle owns its associated file descriptor and is responsible for closing it. > Handling Errors in Swift: > In Swift, this method returns a nonoptional result and is marked with the `throws` keyword to indicate that it throws an error in cases of failure. > > You call this method in a `try` expression and handle any errors in the `catch` clauses of a `do` statement, as described in [Error Handling](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/LanguageGuide/ErrorHandling.html) in [The Swift Programming Language](https://docs.swift.org/swift-book/) and `About Imported Cocoa Error Parameters`. ## See Also [`availableData`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/availableData) The data currently available in the receiver. [`readData(ofLength:)`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readData(ofLength:)) Reads data synchronously up to the specified number of bytes. [`readDataToEndOfFile()`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readDataToEndOfFile()) Reads the available data synchronously up to the end of file or maximum number of bytes. --- 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)