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# init(abbreviation:)

Returns the time zone object identified by a given abbreviation.

```
convenience init?(abbreviation: String)
```

## Parameters

`abbreviation`

An abbreviation for a time zone.

## Return Value

The time zone object identified by `abbreviation` determined by resolving the abbreviation to a name using the abbreviation dictionary and then returning the time zone for that name. Returns `nil` if there is no match for `abbreviation`.

## Discussion

In general, you are discouraged from using abbreviations except for unique instances such as “GMT”. Time Zone abbreviations are not standardized and so a given abbreviation may have multiple meanings—for example, “EST” refers to Eastern Time in both the United States and Australia

## See Also

  [Date and Time Programming Guide](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/DatesAndTimes/DatesAndTimes.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/10000039i)

[`+  timeZoneWithName:`](/documentation/Foundation/NSTimeZone/timeZoneWithName:)

Returns the time zone object identified by a given identifier.


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