---
name: "gnutls_cipher_init"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "gnutls"
version: "3.8.13-3"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/gnutls_cipher_init"
---

# gnutls\_cipher\_init(3)

API function

## NAME

gnutls\_cipher\_init - API function

## SYNOPSIS

**#include \<gnutls/crypto.h\>**

**int gnutls\_cipher\_init(gnutls\_cipher\_hd\_t \*** *handle***, gnutls\_cipher\_algorithm\_t** *cipher***, const gnutls\_datum\_t \*** *key***, const gnutls\_datum\_t \*** *iv***);**

## ARGUMENTS

- gnutls\_cipher\_hd\_t \* handle

  is a **gnutls\_cipher\_hd\_t** type

- gnutls\_cipher\_algorithm\_t cipher

  the encryption algorithm to use

- const gnutls\_datum\_t \* key

  the key to be used for encryption/decryption

- const gnutls\_datum\_t \* iv

  the IV to use (if not applicable set NULL)

## DESCRIPTION

This function will initialize the  *handle* context to be usable for encryption/decryption of data. This will effectively use the current crypto backend in use by gnutls or the cryptographic accelerator in use.

## RETURNS

Zero or a negative error code on error.

## SINCE

2\.10.0

## REPORTING BUGS

Report bugs to \<bugs@gnutls.org\>.\
 Home page: https://www.gnutls.org

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2001-2023 Free Software Foundation, Inc., and others.\
 Copying and distribution of this file, with or without modification, are permitted in any medium without royalty provided the copyright notice and this notice are preserved.

## SEE ALSO

The full documentation for **gnutls** is maintained as a Texinfo manual. If the /usr/share/doc/gnutls/ directory does not contain the HTML form visit

- https://www.gnutls.org/manual/