---
title: "init(contentsOf:named:sourceLocation:)"
framework: testing
role: symbol
role_heading: Initializer
path: "testing/attachment/init(contentsof:named:sourcelocation:)"
---

# init(contentsOf:named:sourceLocation:)

Initialize an instance of this type with the contents of the given URL.

## Declaration

```swift
init(contentsOf url: URL, named preferredName: String? = nil, sourceLocation: SourceLocation = #_sourceLocation) async throws
```

## Parameters

- `url`: The URL containing the attachment’s data.
- `preferredName`: The preferred name of the attachment when writing it to a test report or to disk. If nil, the name of the attachment is derived from the last path component of url.
- `sourceLocation`: The source location of the call to this initializer. This value is used when recording issues associated with the attachment.

## Discussion

Discussion note: Any error that occurs attempting to read from url. Use this initializer to create an instance of Attachment that represents a local file or directory: let url = try await FoodTruck.saveMenu(as: .pdf) let attachment = try await Attachment(contentsOf: url) Attachment.record(attachment) When you call this initializer and pass it the URL of a file, it reads or maps the contents of that file into memory. When you call this initializer and pass it the URL of a directory, it creates a temporary ZIP file of the directory before reading or mapping it into memory. These operations may take some time, so this initializer suspends the calling task until they are complete. important: This initializer supports creating attachments from file URLs only. If you pass it a URL other than a file URL, such as an HTTPS URL, the testing library throws an error.