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JavaScript shift() Method

Array Object Reference JavaScript Array Object

Example

Remove the first item of an array:

var fruits = ["Banana", "Orange", "Apple", "Mango"];
fruits.shift()

The result of fruits will be:

Orange,Apple,Mango

Try it yourself »


Definition and Usage

The shift() method removes the first item of an array, and returns that item.

Note: This method changes the length of an array!

Tip: To remove the last item of an array, use the pop() method.


Browser Support

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The shift() method is supported in all major browsers.


Syntax

array.shift()

Return Value

Type Description
Any type* The removed array item

*An array item can be a string, a number, an array, a boolean, or any other object types that are allowed in an array.

Technical Details

JavaScript Version: 1.2


Array Object Reference JavaScript Array Object

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