<!--
{
  "documentType" : "article",
  "framework" : "Foundation",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Foundation/file-system",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "collectionGroup",
  "title" : "File System"
}
-->

# File System

Create, read, write, and examine files and folders in the file system.

## Topics

### File system operations

[Improving performance and stability when accessing the file system](/documentation/Foundation/improving-performance-and-stability-when-accessing-the-file-system)

Prevent data loss and app crashes by interacting with the file system in a coordinated, asynchronous manner and by avoiding unnecessary disk I/O.

[Using the file system effectively](/documentation/Foundation/using-the-file-system-effectively)

Gain access to benefits like automatic backup or purging by using purpose-built directories provided by the system.

[`FileManager`](/documentation/Foundation/FileManager)

A convenient interface to the contents of the file system, and the primary means of interacting with it.

[`FileManagerDelegate`](/documentation/Foundation/FileManagerDelegate)

The interface a file manager’s delegate uses to intervene during operations or if an error occurs.

[About Apple File System](/documentation/Foundation/about-apple-file-system)

Use high-level APIs to get the most out of Apple File System.

### Coordinated file access

[`NSFilePresenter`](/documentation/Foundation/NSFilePresenter)

The interface a file coordinator uses to inform an object presenting a file about changes to that file made elsewhere in the system.

[`NSFileAccessIntent`](/documentation/Foundation/NSFileAccessIntent)

The details of a coordinated-read or coordinated-write operation.

[`NSFileCoordinator`](/documentation/Foundation/NSFileCoordinator)

An object that coordinates the reading and writing of files and directories among file presenters.

### Managed file access

[`FileHandle`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle)

An object-oriented wrapper for a file descriptor.

[`NSFileSecurity`](/documentation/Foundation/NSFileSecurity)

A stub class that encapsulates security information about a file.

[`NSFileVersion`](/documentation/Foundation/NSFileVersion)

A snapshot of a file at a specific point in time.

[`FileWrapper`](/documentation/Foundation/FileWrapper)

A representation of a node (a file, directory, or symbolic link) in the file system.

### Errors

[File System Error Codes](/documentation/Foundation/file-system-error-codes)

Recognize common error codes generated by file system operations.


---

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)