---
title: removeFirst()
framework: swift
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: swift/arrayslice/removefirst()-60cu4
---

# removeFirst()

Removes and returns the first element of the collection.

## Declaration

```swift
@discardableResult mutating func removeFirst() -> Self.Element
```

## Return Value

Return Value The first element of the collection.

## Discussion

Discussion The collection must not be empty. Calling this method may invalidate all saved indices of this collection. Do not rely on a previously stored index value after altering a collection with any operation that can change its length. note: O(1)