---
title: "init(forUpdating:)"
framework: foundation
role: symbol
role_heading: Initializer
path: "foundation/filehandle/init(forupdating:)"
---

# init(forUpdating:)

Returns a file handle initialized for reading and writing to the file, device, or named socket at the specified URL.

## Declaration

```swift
convenience init(forUpdating url: URL) throws
```

## Parameters

- `url`: The URL of the file, device, or named socket to access.

## Return Value

Return Value The initialized file handle object or nil if no file exists at url.

## Discussion

Discussion The file pointer is set to the beginning of the file. The returned object responds to both read and write(_:) messages. When using this method to create a file handle object, the file handle owns its associated file descriptor and is responsible for closing it.