# read(fromAbsoluteOffset:into:retryOnInterrupt:) Reads bytes at the specified offset into a buffer. ``` func read(fromAbsoluteOffset offset: Int64, into buffer: UnsafeMutableRawBufferPointer, retryOnInterrupt: Bool = true) throws -> Int ``` ## Parameters `offset` The file offset where reading begins. `buffer` The region of memory to read into. `retryOnInterrupt` Whether to retry the read 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 The number of bytes that were read. ## Discussion The property of `buffer` determines the maximum number of bytes that are read into that buffer. Unlike [`read(into:retryOnInterrupt:)`](/documentation/System/FileDescriptor/read(into:retryOnInterrupt:)), this method leaves the file’s existing offset unchanged. The corresponding C function is `pread`. --- 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)