---
title: removeFirst()
framework: swift
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: swift/slice/removefirst()-1iayr
---

# removeFirst()

Removes and returns the first element of the collection.

## Declaration

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

## Return Value

Return Value The removed element.

## Discussion

Discussion The collection must not be empty. var bugs = ["Aphid", "Bumblebee", "Cicada", "Damselfly", "Earwig"] bugs.removeFirst() print(bugs) // Prints "["Bumblebee", "Cicada", "Damselfly", "Earwig"]" Calling this method may invalidate any existing indices for use with this collection. note: O(n), where n is the length of the collection.