---
title: "removeFirst(_:)"
framework: swift
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: "swift/substring/utf16view/removefirst(_:)"
---

# 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. k must be greater than or equal to zero, and must be less than or equal to the number of elements in the collection.

## Discussion

Discussion note: O(1) if the collection conforms to RandomAccessCollection; otherwise, O(k), where k is the specified number of elements.