# init(array:copyItems:) Initializes a newly allocated array using `anArray` as the source of data objects for the array. ``` convenience init(array: [Any], copyItems flag: Bool) ``` ## Parameters `array` An array containing the objects with which to initialize the new array. `flag` If , each object in `array` receives a message to create a copy of the object—objects must conform to the `NSCopying` protocol. In a managed memory environment, this is instead of the `retain` message the object would otherwise receive. The object copy is then added to the returned array. If , then in a managed memory environment each object in `array` simply receives a `retain` message when it is added to the returned array. ## Return Value An array initialized to contain the objects—or if `flag` is , copies of the objects—in `array`. The returned object might be different than the original receiver. ## Discussion After an immutable array has been initialized in this way, it cannot be modified. The [`copy(with:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSCopying/copy(with:)) method performs a shallow copy. If you have a collection of arbitrary depth, passing for the `flag` parameter will perform an immutable copy of the first level below the surface. If you pass the mutability of the first level is unaffected. In either case, the mutability of all deeper levels is unaffected. ## See Also [`+ arrayWithObject:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSArray/init(object:)) Creates and returns an array containing a given object. [`- initWithObjects:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSArray/initWithObjects:) Initializes a newly allocated array by placing in it the objects in the argument list. --- 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)