<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: -",
    "iPadOS: -",
    "macCatalyst: -",
    "macOS: -",
    "tvOS: -",
    "visionOS: -",
    "watchOS: -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "CoreFoundation",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFStringCompareWithOptions(_:_:_:_:)",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Function",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Function",
    "modules" : [
      "Core Foundation"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:@F@CFStringCompareWithOptions"
  },
  "title" : "CFStringCompareWithOptions(_:_:_:_:)"
}
-->

# CFStringCompareWithOptions(_:_:_:_:)

Compares a range of the characters in one string with that of another string.

```
func CFStringCompareWithOptions(_ theString1: CFString!, _ theString2: CFString!, _ rangeToCompare: CFRange, _ compareOptions: CFStringCompareFlags) -> CFComparisonResult
```

## Parameters

`theString1`

The first string to use in the comparison.

`theString2`

The second string to use in the comparison.

`rangeToCompare`

The range of characters in `theString1` to be used in the comparison to `theString2`. To use the whole string, pass the range `CFRangeMake(0, CFStringGetLength(theString1))` or use [`CFStringCompare(_:_:_:)`](/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFStringCompare(_:_:_:)). The specified range must not exceed the length of the string.

`compareOptions`

Flags that select different types of comparisons, such as localized comparison, case-insensitive comparison, and non-literal comparison. If you want the default comparison behavior, pass `0`. See [String Comparison Flags](/documentation/CoreFoundation/string-comparison-flags) for the available flags.

## Return Value

A [`CFComparisonResult`](/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFComparisonResult) value that indicates whether `theString1` is equal to, less than, or greater than `theString2`.

## Discussion

You can affect how the comparison proceeds by specifying one or more option flags in `compareOptions`.

If you want to compare one entire string with another string, use the [`CFStringCompare(_:_:_:)`](/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFStringCompare(_:_:_:)) function.

---

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)