VKINCOMPLETE

VK_INCOMPLETE is a value in the Vulkan API that signals an incomplete enumeration rather than a fatal error. It is part of the VkResult set of return codes and is used to indicate that a function did not return all available data in the provided output array because there are more items to enumerate.

Usage and semantics

VK_INCOMPLETE is commonly returned by enumeration functions such as vkEnumerateInstanceLayerProperties, vkEnumerateInstanceExtensionProperties, and vkEnumeratePhysicalDevices. When the number of available items exceeds the capacity of the caller’s output array, the function fills as many items as will fit and returns VK_INCOMPLETE. The caller should then allocate a larger buffer or perform repeated calls to retrieve the remaining items until VK_SUCCESS is returned. This value is not an indication of a failure; it simply means that additional calls are needed to obtain all data.

Typical pattern

- Call an enumeration function with a request for the count of items to determine how much space is needed.

- Allocate an output array of the reported size.

- Call again to retrieve items. If VK_INCOMPLETE is returned, reallocate or resize and call again until VK_SUCCESS, accumulating all items.

Edge cases

If there are no items, the function may return VK_SUCCESS with a zero count. Different implementations may handle the intermediate state slightly differently, but the core rule remains: VK_INCOMPLETE means more data is available beyond the returned set.

See also

VK_SUCCESS, VK_NOT_READY, other VkResult codes, and Vulkan enumeration patterns.