# First

The First prefix to a LOAD or SELECT (SQL) statement is used for loading a set maximum number of records from a data source table.

Syntax:

First n ( loadstatement | selectstatement )

Arguments:

First arguments

| Argument | Description |
| --- | --- |
| n | An arbitrary expression that evaluates to an integer indicating<br>the maximum number of records to be read.<br><br>n can be enclosed in parentheses, like (n),<br>but this is not required. |

Examples:

`First 10 
 LOAD * from abc.csv;` ` First (1) 
 SQL SELECT  * from Orders;  `

## Learn more

* [Load](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/qlikview/September2026/Subsystems/Client/Content/QV_QlikView/Scripting/ScriptRegularStatements/Load.htm)
* [Select](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/qlikview/September2026/Subsystems/Client/Content/QV_QlikView/Scripting/ScriptRegularStatements/Select.htm)