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

# retainCount

Do not use this method.

## Declaration

```occ
- (NSUInteger) retainCount;
```

## Return Value

Return Value The receiver’s reference count.

## Discussion

Discussion This method is of no value in debugging memory management issues. Because any number of framework objects may have retained an object in order to hold references to it, while at the same time autorelease pools may be holding any number of deferred releases on an object, it is very unlikely that you can get useful information from this method. To understand the fundamental rules of memory management that you must abide by, read Memory Management Policy. To diagnose memory management problems, use a suitable tool: The Clang Static analyzer can typically find memory management problems even before you run your program. The Object Alloc instrument in the Instruments application (see Instruments User Guide) can track object allocation and destruction.

## See Also

### Obsolete Methods

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