---
title: init
framework: BlockStorageDeviceDriverKit
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
platforms: [driverkit 21.0+]
path: blockstoragedevicedriverkit/iouserblockstoragedevice/init
---

# init

Handles the basic initialization of the service.

## Declaration

```occ
virtual bool init();
```

## Return Value

Return Value Returns true if initialization was successful, or false if an error occurred.

## Discussion

Discussion The system calls this method shortly after it instantiates your custom IOUserBlockStorageDevice subclass, and before it calls the Start method of your service. Limit the work you do in this method to simple tasks that must occur before your service starts. For example, use this method to allocate memory for your ivars structure. Always call super early in your implementation of this method.

## See Also

### Running the Service

- [Start](blockstoragedevicedriverkit/iouserblockstoragedevice/start.md)
- [Stop](blockstoragedevicedriverkit/iouserblockstoragedevice/stop.md)
- [free](blockstoragedevicedriverkit/iouserblockstoragedevice/free.md)