# getBuffer(_:length:) Returns by reference a pointer to a read buffer and, by reference, the number of bytes available, and returns a Boolean value that indicates whether the buffer is available. ``` func getBuffer(_ buffer: UnsafeMutablePointer?>, length len: UnsafeMutablePointer) -> Bool ``` ## Parameters `buffer` Upon return, contains a pointer to a read buffer. The buffer is only valid until the next stream operation is performed. `len` Upon return, contains the number of bytes available. ## Return Value if the buffer is available, otherwise . ## Discussion Subclasses of `NSInputStream` may return if this operation is not appropriate for the stream type. --- 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)