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# encodeConditionalObject(_:forKey:)

Encodes a reference to a given object and associates it with a key only if it has been unconditionally encoded elsewhere in the archive.

```
func encodeConditionalObject(_ object: Any?, forKey key: String)
```

## Parameters

`object`

The object to encode.

`key`

The key with which to associate the encoded value. This value must not be `nil`.

## Discussion

This method is effective only if you’ve previously archived this object with this key by calling [`encodeInt:forKey:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSKeyedArchiver/encodeInt:forKey:).

---

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