---
title: release
framework: objectivec
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: objectivec/nsobject-c.protocol/release
---

# release

Decrements the receiver’s reference count.

## Declaration

```occ
- (void) release;
```

## Discussion

Discussion The receiver is sent a dealloc message when its reference count reaches 0. You would only implement this method to define your own reference-counting scheme. Such implementations should not invoke the inherited method; that is, they should not include a release message to super. For more information on the reference counting mechanism, see Advanced Memory Management Programming Guide. Special Considerations Instead of using manual reference counting, you should adopt ARC—see Transitioning to ARC Release Notes.

## See Also

### Obsolete Methods

- [retain](objectivec/nsobject-c.protocol/retain.md)
- [autorelease](objectivec/nsobject-c.protocol/autorelease.md)
- [retainCount](objectivec/nsobject-c.protocol/retaincount.md)
- [zone](objectivec/nsobject-c.protocol/zone.md)