Do you want to know how to select the last item in an array in PowerShell? In this PowerShell tutorial, I have explained how to select the last element in an array in PowerShell.
To select the last item in an array in PowerShell, use the index -1 with the array variable. For example, if $array is your array variable, $array[-1] will return the last item. This method is effective because PowerShell supports negative indexing, where -1 always refers to the last element.
Method 1: Using Indexing
PowerShell arrays are zero-indexed, which means the first item has an index of 0, the second item has an index of 1, and so on. To get the last item, you can use the index [-1].
$array = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
$lastItem = $array[-1]
Write-Output $lastItemThis script will output 5, which is the last item in the array.
You can see the output in the screenshot below; I have executed the above PowerShell script using VS code. You can also execute using Windows PowerShell ISE.
Method 2: Using the Select-Object Cmdlet
The Select-Object cmdlet is a versatile tool in PowerShell that can be used to select objects based on different criteria. To get the last item of an array, you can use the -Last parameter.
$array = 'apple', 'banana', 'cherry'
$lastItem = $array | Select-Object -Last 1
Write-Output $lastItemThis will output cherry. For more information on the Select-Object cmdlet, refer to the PowerTip: Select the Next-to-Last Item in a PowerShell Array.
Method 3: Using Array Length
Another way to access the last item is by using the array’s length property in PowerShell. Since the length property returns the total count of items, and arrays are zero-indexed, you need to subtract 1 from the length to get the index of the last item.
$array = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
$index = $array.Length - 1
$lastItem = $array[$index]
Write-Output $lastItemThis script will output 50.
Method 4: Using the [-1] Index Directly
As mentioned earlier, you can directly use the [-1] index to select the last element of an array without needing to calculate the length.
$array = 'red', 'green', 'blue'
$lastItem = $array[-1]
Write-Output $lastItemThis will output blue. This method is a shorthand for the one above and is typically the preferred way to get the last element due to its simplicity.
Method 5: Using Array Slicing
Array slicing is another feature in PowerShell that can be used to retrieve a subset of an array. By using a range for the indices, you can select the last item.
$array = 'Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday', 'Thursday', 'Friday'
$lastItem = $array[-1..-1]
Write-Output $lastItemThis will output Friday. The range [-1..-1] effectively slices the last item from the array.
Conclusion
PowerShell provides several ways to select the last item from an array, and the best method to use will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of using the [-1] index or the flexibility of the Select-Object cmdlet, PowerShell has the tools to get the job done.
In this PowerShell tutorial, I have explained how to get the last item from an array in PowerShell using the below methods:
- Using Indexing
- Using the Select-Object Cmdlet
- Using Array Length
- Using the [-1] Index Directly
- Using Array Slicing
You may also like:
- How to Get the First Element of an Array in PowerShell?
- How to Remove the Last Element from an Array in PowerShell?
- How to Create an Empty Array in PowerShell?
Bijay Kumar is an esteemed author and the mind behind PowerShellFAQs.com, where he shares his extensive knowledge and expertise in PowerShell, with a particular focus on SharePoint projects. Recognized for his contributions to the tech community, Bijay has been honored with the prestigious Microsoft MVP award. With over 15 years of experience in the software industry, he has a rich professional background, having worked with industry giants such as HP and TCS. His insights and guidance have made him a respected figure in the world of software development and administration. Read more.
