std::basic_string<CharT,Traits,Allocator>::front

Returns reference to the first character in the string. The behavior is undefined if empty() is true.

# Declarations

CharT& front();

(constexpr since C++20)

const CharT& front() const;

(constexpr since C++20)

# Return value

Reference to the first character, equivalent to operator.

# Notes

In libstdc++, front() is not available in C++98 mode.

# Example

#include <iostream>
#include <string>
 
int main()
{
    std::string s("Exemplary");
    char& f1 = s.front();
    f1 = 'e';
    std::cout << s << '\n'; // "exemplary"
 
    std::string const c("Exemplary");
    char const& f2 = c.front();
    std::cout << &f2 << '\n'; // "Exemplary"
}

# Defect reports

DR	Applied to	Behavior as published	Correct behavior
LWG 534	C++98	std::basic_string did not have the member function front()	added

# See also

back
front