This page is a quick reference checkpoint for FIRST VALUE in SQLite: behavior, syntax rules, edge cases, and a minimal example; plus the official vendor documentation.
FIRST_VALUE returns the first value in the window frame.
Returns the value of expr from the first row in the window frame as defined by ORDER BY and the frame clause; influenced by default or explicit frame definitions
If this behavior feels unintuitive, the tutorial below explains the underlying pattern step-by-step.
Syntax: FIRST_VALUE(expr) OVER ([PARTITION BY ...] [ORDER BY ...] [frame])
SELECT val, FIRST_VALUE(val) OVER (ORDER BY val) AS first_val FROM t;
If you came here to confirm syntax, you’re done. If you came here to get better at window functions, choose your next step.
FIRST VALUE is part of a bigger window-function pattern. If you want the “why”, start here: First Last Nth Value
For the authoritative spec, use the vendor docs. This page is the fast “sanity check”.
View SQLite Documentation →Looking for more functions across all SQL dialects? Visit the full SQL Dialects & Window Functions Documentation.