C++ List front

C++ List front function returns the first element of the list. It provides the direct reference of the element.

Difference between front and begin

The begin function returns an iterator to the element while front function returns a direct reference to the same element.

Syntax

reference front();

Parameter

It does not contain any parameter.

Return value

It returns the direct reference of the first element.

Example 1

Let's see a simple example when the list containing integer values.

#include <iostream>
#include<list>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
    std::list<int> li={1,2,3,4,5};
    std::cout <<"front() is :"<< li.front() << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Output:

front() is : 1

In this example, front function returns the first element of the list i.e 1.

Example 2

Let's see a simple example when the list containing character values.

#include <iostream>
#include<list>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
    std::list<char> li={'j','a','v','a'};
    std::cout <<"front() is :"<< li.front() << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Output:

front() is : j