---
name: "nng_ctx_send"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libnng-dev"
version: "1.10.1-2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/nng_ctx_send"
---

# nng\_ctx\_send(3)

send message using context asynchronously

## NAME

nng\_ctx\_send - send message using context asynchronously

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <nng/nng.h>
void nng_ctx_send(nng_ctx ctx, nng_aio *aio);
```

## DESCRIPTION

The `nng_ctx_send()` sends a message using the context *ctx* asynchronously.

The message to send must have previously been set on the *aio* using the `nng_aio_set_msg()` function. The function assumes ownership of the message.

If the message was successfully queued for delivery to the socket, then the *aio* will be completed, and `nng_aio_result()` will return zero. In this case the socket will dispose of the message when it is finished with it.

**Note**\

The operation will be completed, and the callback associated with the *aio* executed, as soon as the socket accepts the message for sending. This does *not* indicate that the message was actually delivered, as it may still be buffered in the sending socket, buffered in the receiving socket, or in flight over physical media.

If the operation fails for any reason (including cancellation or timeout), then the *aio* callback will be executed and `nng_aio_result()` will return a non-zero error status. In this case, the callback has a responsibility to retrieve the message from the *aio* with `nng_aio_get_msg()` and dispose of it appropriately. (This may include retrying the send operation on the same or a different socket, or deallocating the message with `nng_msg_free()`.)

**Note**\

The semantics of what sending a message means varies from protocol to protocol, so examination of the protocol documentation is encouraged.

**Tip**\

Context send operations are asynchronous. If a synchronous operation is needed, one can be constructed by using a `NULL` callback on the *aio* and then waiting for the operation using `nng_aio_wait()`.

## RETURN VALUES

None.  (The operation completes asynchronously.)

## ERRORS

`NNG_ECANCELED`

The operation was aborted.

`NNG_ECLOSED`

The context *ctx* is not open.

`NNG_EMSGSIZE`

The message is too large.

`NNG_ENOMEM`

Insufficient memory is available.

`NNG_ENOTSUP`

The protocol for context *ctx* does not support sending.

`NNG_ESTATE`

The context *ctx* cannot send data in this state.

`NNG_ETIMEDOUT`

The send timeout expired.

## SEE ALSO

[nng\_aio\_get\_msg(3)](/nng_aio_get_msg/3.md), [nng\_aio\_set\_msg(3)](/nng_aio_set_msg/3.md), [nng\_msg\_alloc(3)](/nng_msg_alloc/3.md), [nng\_strerror(3)](/nng_strerror/3.md), [nng\_aio(5)](/nng_aio/5.md), [nng\_ctx(5)](/nng_ctx/5.md), [nng\_msg(5)](/nng_msg/5.md), [nng(7)](/nng/7.md)