# discreteProgress(totalUnitCount:) Creates and returns a progress instance with the specified unit count that isn’t part of any existing progress tree. ``` class func discreteProgress(totalUnitCount unitCount: Int64) -> Progress ``` ## Parameters `unitCount` The total number of units of work to assign to the progress instance. ## Return Value A new progress instance with its containing progress object set to `nil.` ## Discussion Use this method to create the top-level progress object that your custom classes return. The receiver of the returned progress object can add it to a progress tree using `Progress/addChild(_:withPendingUnitCount:)`. You’re responsible for updating the progress count of the created progress object. You can invoke this method on one thread and then message the returned `NSProgress` on another thread. For example, you can capture the created progress instance in a block that you pass to . In that block, you can invoke methods like [`becomeCurrent(withPendingUnitCount:)`](/documentation/Foundation/Progress/becomeCurrent(withPendingUnitCount:)) or [`resignCurrent()`](/documentation/Foundation/Progress/resignCurrent()), and set the [`completedUnitCount`](/documentation/Foundation/Progress/completedUnitCount) or [`isCancelled`](/documentation/Foundation/Progress/isCancelled) properties as your app finishes its work. --- 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)