Java LinkedList getFirst() method

The getFirst() method in Java's LinkedList class is a handy tool for retrieving the first element of the list without removing it. Think of it like peeking at the top card of a deck – you see what’s there, but the card stays put.

Syntax

public E getFirst()

Description

This method returns the first element of this list. It does not modify the list; the first element remains in its original position.

Parameters

Parameter	Description

Return Value

Return Type	Description
E	The first element in the LinkedList. Returns null if the list is empty.

Examples

Example 1: Retrieving the First Element

This example demonstrates how to use getFirst() to retrieve the first element from a LinkedList containing strings.

import java.util.LinkedList;

public class GetFirstExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        LinkedList<String> list = new LinkedList<>("Apple", "Banana", "Cherry");

        if (!list.isEmpty()) {
            String firstElement = list.getFirst();
            System.out.println("The first element is: " + firstElement);
        } else {
            System.out.println("The list is empty.");
        }
    }
}

The first element is: Apple

Explanation: We create a LinkedList containing three strings. The getFirst() method retrieves "Apple", the first string in the list, and stores it in the firstElement variable. Finally, we print the value of this variable.

Example 2: Handling an Empty List

This example shows what happens when you try to get the first element from an empty LinkedList.

import java.util.LinkedList;

public class GetFirstEmptyListExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        LinkedList<Integer> list = new LinkedList<>; // Empty List

        if (!list.isEmpty()){
            Integer firstElement = list.getFirst();
            System.out.println("The first element is: " + firstElement);
        } else {
            System.out.println("The list is empty.");
        }
    }
}

The list is empty.

Explanation: Here, we create an empty LinkedList. The isEmpty() check prevents the code from attempting to get an element from a non-existent one. Because the list is empty, the program prints "The list is empty.". Attempting to call getFirst() on an empty list would throw a `NoSuchElementException` if the isEmpty check wasn't present.

Example 3: Using with Generic Types

This example demonstrates that getFirst() works seamlessly with LinkedLists of any type.

import java.util.LinkedList;

public class GetFirstGenericExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        LinkedList<Double> list = new LinkedList<>(1.1, 2.2, 3.3);

        if (!list.isEmpty()) {
            Double firstElement = list.getFirst();
            System.out.println("The first element is: " + firstElement);
        } else {
            System.out.println("The list is empty.");
        }
    }
}

The first element is: 1.1

Explanation: This example creates a LinkedList containing Double values. The getFirst() method correctly retrieves the first value (1.1) and prints it to the console.