# open(_:_:options:permissions:retryOnInterrupt:) Opens or creates a file for reading or writing. ``` static func open(_ path: UnsafePointer, _ mode: FileDescriptor.AccessMode, options: FileDescriptor.OpenOptions = FileDescriptor.OpenOptions(), permissions: FilePermissions? = nil, retryOnInterrupt: Bool = true) throws -> FileDescriptor ``` ## Parameters `path` The location of the file to open. `mode` The read and write access to use. `options` The behavior for opening the file. `permissions` The file permissions to use for created files. `retryOnInterrupt` Whether to retry the open operation if it throws [`interrupted`](/documentation/System/Errno/interrupted). The default is `true`. Pass `false` to try only once and throw an error upon interruption. ## Return Value A file descriptor for the open file ## Discussion The corresponding C function is `open`. --- 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)