# getCString(_:maxLength:range:remaining:) Converts the receiver’s content to the default C-string encoding and stores them in a given buffer. ``` func getCString(_ bytes: UnsafeMutablePointer, maxLength: Int, range aRange: NSRange, remaining leftoverRange: NSRangePointer?) ``` ## Discussion `buffer` must be large enough to contain `maxLength` bytes plus a terminating zero character (which this method adds). Copies and converts as many characters as possible from `aRange` and stores the range of those not converted in the range given by `leftoverRange` (if it’s non-`nil`). Raises an `NSRangeException` if any part of `aRange` lies beyond the end of the string. 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 [`- cStringUsingEncoding:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/cString(using:)) Returns a representation of the string as a C string using a given encoding. [`UTF8String`](/documentation/Foundation/NSString/utf8String) A null-terminated UTF8 representation of the string. [`- getCString:maxLength:encoding:`](/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)