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# NSDecrementExtraRefCountWasZero

Decrements the specified object’s reference count.

```
extern BOOL NSDecrementExtraRefCountWasZero(id object);
```

## Parameters

`object`

An object.

## Return Value

<doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/false> if `anObject` had an extra reference count, or <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/true> if `anObject` didn’t have an extra reference count—indicating that the object should be deallocated (with `dealloc`).

## Discussion

Decrements the “extra reference” count of `anObject`. Newly created objects have only one actual reference, so that a single release message results in the object being deallocated. Extra references are those beyond the single original reference and are usually created by sending the object a retain message. Your code should generally not use these functions unless it is overriding the <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/ObjectiveC/NSObject-c.protocol/retain> or <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/ObjectiveC/NSObject-c.protocol/release> methods.

### Special Considerations

This function is deprecated and unavailable for use with ARC.

---

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