<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 8.0.0 -",
    "iPadOS: 8.0.0 -",
    "macCatalyst: 8.0.0 -",
    "macOS: 10.10.0 -",
    "tvOS: 9.0.0 -",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 -",
    "watchOS: 2.0.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "Swift",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Swift/StringProtocol/getCString(_:maxLength:encoding:)",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "Swift"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "s:Sy10FoundationE10getCString_9maxLength8encodingSbSays4Int8VGz_SiSSAAE8EncodingVtF"
  },
  "title" : "getCString(_:maxLength:encoding:)"
}
-->

# getCString(_:maxLength:encoding:)

Converts the `String`’s content to a given encoding and
stores them in a buffer.

```
func getCString(_ buffer: inout [CChar], maxLength: Int, encoding: String.Encoding) -> Bool
```

## Discussion> Note: will store a maximum of `min(buffer.count, maxLength)` bytes.

---

Copyright &copy; 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)