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

# removeFirst(_:)

Removes the specified number of elements from the beginning of the collection.

## Declaration

```swift
mutating func removeFirst(_ k: Int)
```

## Parameters

- `k`: The number of elements to remove from the collection. k must be greater than or equal to zero and must not exceed the number of elements in the collection.

## Discussion

Discussion Attempting to remove more elements than exist in the collection triggers a runtime error. 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) if the collection conforms to RandomAccessCollection; otherwise, O(k), where k is the specified number of elements.