---
title: "system.util.getProperty"
description: "Retrieves the value of a named system property."
---

# system.util.getProperty

> Retrieves the value of a named system property.

This function is used in **Python Scripting**.

## Description
Retrieves the value of a named system property. Some of the available properties are:
- file.separator. The system file separator character. (for example, "/" (unix) or "\" (windows))
- line.separator. The system line separator string. (for example, "\r\n" (carriage return, newline))
- os.arch. Operating system architecture. (for example, "x86")
- os.name. Operating system name. (for example, "Windows XP")
- os.version. Operating system version. (for example, "5.1")
- user.home. User's home directory.
- user.name. User's account name.

## Client Permission Restrictions
This scripting function has no [Client Permission](../../../ignition-modules/vision/vision-project-properties/vision-project-properties.md#vision-permissions-properties) restrictions.

## Syntax
`system.util.getProperty(propertyName)`

### Parameters
Type | Parameter | Description 
------- | ------- | ------
String| `propertyName` | The name of the system property to get.

### Returns
**String** - The value for the named property.
### Scope
Gateway, Vision Client, Perspective Session

## Code Examples
```python title="Example #1"
# This script would store the contents of the Text Area component in the users home directory.
homeDir = system.util.getProperty("user.home")
sep = system.util.getProperty("file.separator")
path = "%s%smyfile.txt" %(homeDir, sep)
system.file.writeFile(path, event.source.parent.getComponent("Text Area").text) 
```