---
name: "SDL_hid_init"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libsdl3-doc"
version: "3.2.10+ds-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/SDL_hid_init"
---

# SDL\_hid\_init(3)

Initialize the HIDAPI library.

## NAME

SDL\_hid\_init - Initialize the HIDAPI library.

## HEADER FILE

Defined in SDL3/SDL\_hidapi.h

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include "SDL3/SDL.h"
```

**int SDL\_hid\_init(void);**

## DESCRIPTION

This function initializes the HIDAPI library. Calling it is not strictly necessary, as it will be called automatically by

**SDL\_hid\_enumerate** () and any of the

**SDL\_hid\_open\_** \*() functions if it is needed. This function should be called at the beginning of execution however, if there is a chance of HIDAPI handles being opened by different threads simultaneously.

Each call to this function should have a matching call to

**SDL\_hid\_exit** ()

## RETURN VALUE

Returns 0 on success or a negative error code on failure; call

**SDL\_GetError** () for more information.

## AVAILABILITY

This function is available since SDL 3.2.0.

## SEE ALSO

**•**(3), [**SDL\_hid\_exit**(3)](/SDL_hid_exit/3.md)