---
name: "device_get_softc"
section: "9"
platform: "linux"
package: "freebsd-manpages"
version: "6.0-5"
release: "Debian 4.0 (Etch)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/device_get_softc"
---

# device\_get\_softc(9)

access driver private instance variables

## NAME

**device\_get\_softc** – access driver private instance variables

## SYNOPSIS

**#include \<sys/param.h\>**

**#include \<sys/bus.h\>**

*void* *\**\

**device\_get\_softc**(*device\_t dev*);

## DESCRIPTION

Return the driver-specific state of *dev*. The softc is automatically allocated and zeroed the first time it is requested. The size of the allocation is determined by the device's *driver\_t* information used to define the driver. The softc typically encapsulates the state of this instance of the device.

Driver writers are discouraged from using their own softc management mechanisms. Driver writers should not copy such mechanisms found in drivers in the tree that predates this function.

## RETURN VALUES

The pointer to the driver-specific instance variable is returned.

## SEE ALSO

[device(9)](/device/9.md), device\_set\_softc(9), [driver(9)](/driver/9.md)

## AUTHORS

This manual page was written by Doug Rabson.