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# init(forReadingAtPath:)

Returns a file handle initialized for reading the file, device, or named socket at the specified path.

```
convenience init?(forReadingAtPath path: String)
```

## Parameters

`path`

The path to the file, device, or named socket to access.

## Return Value

The initialized file handle object or `nil` if no file exists at `path`.

## Discussion

The system sets the file pointer to the beginning of the file. You can’t write data to the returned file handle object. Use the [`readDataToEndOfFile()`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readDataToEndOfFile()) or [`readData(ofLength:)`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readData(ofLength:)) methods to read data from it.

When using this method to create a file handle object, the file handle owns its associated file descriptor and is responsible for closing it.

## See Also

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

The data currently available in the receiver.

[`readData(ofLength:)`](/documentation/Foundation/FileHandle/readData(ofLength:))

Reads data synchronously up to the specified number of bytes.

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

Reads the available data synchronously up to the end of file or maximum number of bytes.


---

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