JS-056
Visual JavaScript guide to shift(): Learn to remove the first element of an array using shift()
Beginner4 min~4 min read#array#shift#arrays

shift()

Remove from the beginning of an array

Goal

Learn to remove the first element of an array using shift().

Explanation

  • shift() removes the first element of an array.
  • After it is removed, all the other elements shift to the left.
  • The method changes the original array.
  • It works with the beginning of an array.
  • shift() is useful when working with queues.

Analogy

Imagine a line at a store. shift() removes the person standing first in line.

Code

const fruits = [
  "Apple",
  "Banana",
  "Orange"
];

fruits.shift();

console.log(fruits);

Result: ["Banana", "Orange"]

Common mistake

Beginners confuse shift() with pop(). shift() works with the beginning of an array, while pop() works with the end.

Remember

  • ✦ shift() removes the first element.
  • ✦ It works with the beginning of an array.
  • ✦ It changes the array.

Quick Quiz

What does shift() do to ["Apple", "Banana", "Orange"]?

Resources