---
title: "AECoercePtr(_:_:_:_:_:)"
framework: coreservices
role: symbol
role_heading: Function
path: coreservices/1441846-aecoerceptr
---

# AECoercePtr(_:_:_:_:_:)

Coerces data to a desired descriptor type and creates a descriptor containing the newly coerced data.

## Declaration

```swift
func AECoercePtr(_ typeCode: DescType, _ dataPtr: UnsafeRawPointer!, _ dataSize: Size, _ toType: DescType, _ result: UnsafeMutablePointer<AEDesc>!) -> OSErr
```

## Parameters

- `typeCode`: The descriptor type of the source data. For a list of AppleScript’s predefined descriptor types, see doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/coreservices/apple_events/1542788-descriptor_type_constants. See doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/coreservices/desctype.
- `dataPtr`: A pointer to the data to coerce.
- `dataSize`: The length, in bytes, of the data to coerce.
- `toType`: The desired descriptor type of the resulting descriptor. For a list of AppleScript’s predefined descriptor types, see doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/coreservices/apple_events/1542788-descriptor_type_constants.
- `result`: A pointer to a descriptor. On successful return, a descriptor containing the coerced data and matching the descriptor type specified in toType. On error, a null descriptor. If the function returns successfully, your application should call the doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/coreservices/1444208-aedisposedesc function to dispose of the resulting descriptor after it has finished using it. See doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/coreservices/aedesc.

## Return Value

Return Value A result code. See Result Codes.

## Discussion

Discussion Starting in OS X version 10.2, pointer-based coercion handlers are not called if the input type is “structured”—that is, if the type to be coerced is typeAEList, typeAERecord, or coerced typeAERecord. If you want to add a coercion handler for one of these types, it must be a descriptor-based handler. This does not mean you are required to use descriptor-based coercion handlers everywhere—for “flat” data types, such as typeText, pointer-based handlers are still fine. Thread safe starting in OS X v10.2.

## See Also

### Coercing Descriptor Types

- [AECoerceDesc(_:_:_:)](coreservices/1446519-aecoercedesc.md)