# string(forKey:) Returns the string associated with the specified key. ``` func string(forKey defaultName: String) -> String? ``` ## Parameters `defaultName` The key to retrieve from the defaults database. ## Return Value The string associated with `defaultName`, or `nil` if the key isn’t present in the defaults database. ## Discussion This method automatically coerces certain types to equivalent strings. For example, it converts the integer `123` to the string “123”. If the key is present, but the method can’t use it to create an appropriate string, this method returns `nil`. This returned string is immutable, even if you originally set the key to a mutable string. --- 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)