# prefix(_:) Republishes elements up to the specified maximum count. ``` func prefix(_ maxLength: Int) -> Publishers.Output ``` ## Parameters `maxLength` The maximum number of elements to republish. ## Return Value A publisher that publishes up to the specified number of elements. ## Discussion Use [`prefix(_:)`](/documentation/Combine/Publisher/prefix(_:)) to limit the number of elements republished to the downstream subscriber. In the example below, the [`prefix(_:)`](/documentation/Combine/Publisher/prefix(_:)) operator limits its output to the first two elements before finishing normally: ``` let numbers = (0...10) cancellable = numbers.publisher .prefix(2) .sink { print("\($0)", terminator: " ") } // Prints: "0 1" ``` --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)