--- /dev/null
+# <small>nlohmann::basic_json::</small>front
+
+```cpp
+reference front();
+const_reference front() const;
+```
+
+Returns a reference to the first element in the container. For a JSON container `#!cpp c`, the expression
+`#!cpp c.front()` is equivalent to `#!cpp *c.begin()`.
+
+## Return value
+
+In case of a structured type (array or object), a reference to the first element is returned. In case of number, string,
+boolean, or binary values, a reference to the value is returned.
+
+## Exception safety
+
+Strong guarantee: if an exception is thrown, there are no changes in the JSON value.
+
+## Exceptions
+
+If the JSON value is `#!json null`, exception
+[`invalid_iterator.214`](../../home/exceptions.md#jsonexceptioninvalid_iterator214) is thrown.
+
+## Complexity
+
+Constant.
+
+## Notes
+
+!!! danger
+
+ Calling `front` on an empty array or object is undefined behavior and is **guarded by an assertion**!
+
+## Examples
+
+??? example
+
+ The following code shows an example for `front()`.
+
+ ```cpp
+ --8<-- "examples/front.cpp"
+ ```
+
+ Output:
+
+ ```json
+ --8<-- "examples/front.output"
+ ```
+
+## See also
+
+- [back](back.md) to access the last element
+
+## Version history
+
+- Added in version 1.0.0.
+- Adjusted code to return reference to binary values in version 3.8.0.