# extracting(first:) Returns a span containing the initial elements of this span, up to the specified maximum length. ``` mutating func extracting(first maxLength: Int) -> MutableSpan ``` ## Parameters `maxLength` The maximum number of elements to return. `maxLength` must be greater than or equal to zero. ## Return Value A span with at most `maxLength` elements. ## Discussion If the maximum length exceeds the length of this span, the result contains all the elements. The returned span represents a mutation of this span. The returned span’s first item is always at offset 0; unlike buffer slices, extracted spans do not share their indices with the span from which they are extracted. > Complexity: O(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)