How do you get the first element from a JavaScript array?

General Discussions
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1

For example, given:

var ary = [‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’, ‘fourth’, ‘fifth’]; How do you get the value ‘first’?

2

I’ve been working with JavaScript arrays for quite a while, and honestly, the simplest way to get started is just accessing the first element by its index 0. It’s super straightforward:

var firstItem = ary[0];
console.log(firstItem); // outputs 'first'

Since arrays in JavaScript start at zero, the first element is always at index 0. So if you want to quickly javascript get first element of array, this is the way to do it!"

3

Yeah, exactly @akanshasrivastava.1121 is Right! Adding on to that, because JavaScript arrays are zero-indexed, grabbing the first item is as simple as ary[0]. No need for any complicated methods here. For example:

console.log(ary[0]); // 'first'

It’s really the most efficient way when you want to javascript get first element of array, no extra overhead or functions, just direct access. I usually stick with this for quick and clear code."

4

Building on what you both said, I’d say that using bracket notation with [0] is definitely the fastest and cleanest way to javascript get first element of array. It’s easy to remember and super performant:

var first = ary[0];

Also, if you want to be extra safe in some cases (like when the array might be empty), you could add a quick check:

var first = ary.length > 0 ? ary[0] : undefined;

But most of the time, ary[0] is all you need. It’s a neat, no-nonsense approach I use every day.