How do I get the last item in a list?

Set the position to -1. Negative positions count from the end.

What if the list is shorter than the position?

The step succeeds with found set to false, so you can handle it with an If.

StepFreelist.getItem

Get the first, last or any item from a list on Windows

Get list item takes one item from a list by its position. Use it to grab the first search result, the last line of a file, or a random pick from a list.

How it works

Give it the list and the position: 1 for the first, 2 for the second, -1 for the last.
It returns the item and whether it was found.
A position past the end doesn't fail the step; found is just false.

Routines that use it

Newest download

Sort files by date with Sort list, Z to A, and get item 1 to open with Open file or folder.

Random wallpaper

Pick a random position with Random number and set that image with Set wallpaper.

Last line

Split a log with Split text, take item -1 and check it with Compare values.

Settings

Setting	What it does
List	The list.
Position	Which item: 1 for the first, 2 for the second, -1 for the last.

Questions

How do I get the last item in a list?: Set the position to -1. Negative positions count from the end.
What if the list is shorter than the position?: The step succeeds with found set to false, so you can handle it with an If.

Pairs well with

Step · Data and variablesFree

Sort list

Sort list puts the items of a list in order, A to Z or Z to A. For lists of dictionaries, like file details, you can sort by one field such as name or size.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Count list items

Count list items tells you how long a list is and whether it's empty. It's the quick check before a loop, or the number you show at the end.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Random number

Random number picks a number between a smallest and largest value. By default it's a whole number from 1 to 100, like a dice with a hundred sides.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Split text

Split text breaks one piece of text into a list. Split at commas, at line breaks or into characters, then loop over the parts or pick one out.

Step · DisplayFree

Set wallpaper changes the desktop background to a picture you choose, on one monitor or on every monitor. Use it to give work, gaming and streaming their own look, or to rotate backgrounds through the day.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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