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# dataWithContentsOfFile:

Creates a data object by reading every byte from the file at a given path.

```
+ (instancetype) dataWithContentsOfFile:(NSString *) path;
```

## Parameters

`path`

The absolute path of the file from which to read data.

## Discussion

This method returns `nil` if the data object could not be created. If you need to know the reason for failure, use [`dataWithContentsOfFile:options:error:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSData/dataWithContentsOfFile:options:error:).

This method is equivalent to calling [`dataWithContentsOfFile:options:error:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSData/dataWithContentsOfFile:options:error:) and passing no options.

A sample using this method can be found in [Working With Binary Data](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/BinaryData/Tasks/WorkingBinaryData.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/20000717).

---

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