---
title: "CFCopyDescription(_:)"
framework: corefoundation
role: symbol
role_heading: Function
path: "corefoundation/cfcopydescription(_:)"
---

# CFCopyDescription(_:)

Returns a textual description of a Core Foundation object.

## Declaration

```swift
func CFCopyDescription(_ cf: CFTypeRef!) -> CFString!
```

## Parameters

- `cf`: The CFType object (a generic reference of type doc://com.apple.corefoundation/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFTypeRef) from which to derive a description.

## Return Value

Return Value A string that contains a description of cf. Ownership follows the The Create Rule.

## Discussion

Discussion The nature of the description differs by object. For example, a description of a CFArray object would include descriptions of each of the elements in the collection. You can use this function for debugging Core Foundation objects in your code. Note, however, that the description for a given object may be different in different releases of the operating system. Do not  create dependencies in your code on the content or format of the information returned by this function.

## See Also

### Miscellaneous Functions

- [CFCopyTypeIDDescription(_:)](corefoundation/cfcopytypeiddescription(_:).md)
- [CFGetTypeID(_:)](corefoundation/cfgettypeid(_:).md)
- [CFShow(_:)](corefoundation/cfshow(_:).md)