how can I Add a ABRecordRef to a NSMutableArray in iPhone?

Question

I want to create an array of ABRecordRef(s) to store contacts which have a valid birthday field.

   NSMutableArray* bContacts = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init         


        

Answer 1

I know this is an old question, but since the introduction of ARC, this is handled in a different way.

There are two possible ways of adding an ABRecordRef to an NSMutableArray now, both of which require a bridged cast:

Direct conversion

[bContacts addObject:(__bridge id)(ref)];

This simply converts the ABRecordRef pointer, and should be used, if you didn't create ref yourself using a method that has Create in its name.

Transfer ownership to ARC

[bContacts addObject:CFBridgingRelease(ref)];

This converts the ABRecordRef pointer, and in addition transfers its ownership to ARC. This should be used, if you used e.g. ABPersonCreate() to create a new person.

More information can be found in the Transitioning to ARC Release Notes. There are also many other informative sources here on Stack Overflow, such as this question.