First and FirstOrDefault Methods

Learn how to choose one element from a collection using First and FirstOrDefault methods.

How to pick the first element of a collection

The First and FirstOrDefault methods return the first element in a collection. The First method throws an exception if the collection is empty. Unlike First, FirstOrDefault returns a default value if the collection is empty.

Also, First and FirstOrDefault return the first element of a collection matching a condition.

Let’s find the oldest film we have watched. Then, let’s find the oldest one with a low rating.

Get hands-on with 1200+ tech skills courses.