# getCString(_:maxLength:) Invokes [`getCString(_:maxLength:range:remaining:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/getCString(_:maxLength:range:remaining:)) with `maxLength` as the maximum length in char-sized units, the receiver’s entire extent as the range, and `NULL` for the remaining range. ``` func getCString(_ bytes: UnsafeMutablePointer, maxLength: Int) ``` ## Discussion `buffer` must be large enough to contain `maxLength` chars plus a terminating zero char (which this method adds). Raises an `NSCharacterConversionException` if the receiver can’t be represented in the default C-string encoding without loss of information. Use [`canBeConverted(to:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/canBeConverted(to:)) if necessary to check whether a string can be losslessly converted to the default C-string encoding. If it can’t, use [`lossyCString()`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/lossyCString()) or [`data(using:allowLossyConversion:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/data(using:allowLossyConversion:)) to get a C-string representation with some loss of information. ## See Also [`func cString(using: UInt) -> UnsafePointer?`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/cString(using:)) Returns a representation of the string as a C string using a given encoding. [`var utf8String: UnsafePointer?`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/utf8String) A null-terminated UTF8 representation of the string. [`func getCString(UnsafeMutablePointer, maxLength: Int, encoding: UInt) -> Bool`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/getCString(_:maxLength:encoding:)) Converts the string to a given encoding and stores it in a buffer. --- 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)