# <small>nlohmann::basic_json::</small>get_binary

```cpp
binary_t& get_binary();

const binary_t& get_binary() const;
```

Returns a reference to the stored binary value.

## Return value

Reference to binary value.

## Exception safety

Strong exception safety: if an exception occurs, the original value stays intact.

## Exceptions

Throws [`type_error.302`](../../home/exceptions.md#jsonexceptiontype_error302) if the value is not binary

## Complexity

Constant.

## Examples

??? example

    The following code shows how to query a binary value.
     
    ```cpp
    #include <iostream>
    #include <nlohmann/json.hpp>
    
    using json = nlohmann::json;
    
    int main()
    {
        // create a binary vector
        std::vector<std::uint8_t> vec = {0xCA, 0xFE, 0xBA, 0xBE};
    
        // create a binary JSON value with subtype 42
        json j = json::binary(vec, 42);
    
        // output type and subtype
        std::cout << "type: " << j.type_name() << ", subtype: " << j.get_binary().subtype() << std::endl;
    }
    
    ```
    
    Output:
    
    ```json
    type: binary, subtype: 42
    
    ```

## See also

- [get](get.md) get a value (explicit conversion)
- [get_ref](get_ref.md) get a reference to the stored value

## Version history

- Added in version 3.8.0.