---
name: "mitem_value"
section: "3"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/item_value"
---

# mitem\_value(3)

set and get menu item values

Part of [item\_value(3)](/item_value/3.md).

## NAME

**set\_item\_value**, **item\_value** - set and get menu item values

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <menu.h>
```

**int set\_item\_value(ITEM \****item***, bool** *value***);** **bool item\_value(const ITEM \****item***);**

## DESCRIPTION

**If you turn off the menu option O\_ONEVALUE (e.g., with** **set\_menu\_opts or menu\_opts\_off; see menu\_opts(3X)), the menu** **becomes multi-valued; that is, more than one item may simultaneously be** **selected.**

**In a multi\_valued menu, you can used set\_item\_value to select the** **given menu item (second argument TRUE) or deselect it (second argument** **FALSE).**

## RETURN VALUE

**The function set\_item\_value returns one of the following:**

- **E\_OK**

  **The routine succeeded.**

- **E\_SYSTEM\_ERROR**

  **System error occurred (see [errno(3)](/errno/3.md)).**

- **E\_REQUEST\_DENIED**

  **The menu driver could not process the request.**

## PORTABILITY

**These routines emulate the System V menu library.** **They were not supported on** **Version 7 or BSD versions.**

## AUTHORS

**Juergen Pfeifer.** **Manual pages and adaptation for new curses by Eric S. Raymond.**

## SEE ALSO

**curses(3X),** **menu(3X)**