From c89f5dd1c313adf3bac6cb43fab5f1d001db1f41 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:16:27 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 1/7] Add `last()` function

---
 .../schemas/config/functions/last.md          | 231 ++++++++++++++++++
 dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1             |  22 ++
 lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml                |   7 +
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs             | 130 ++++++++++
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs              |   2 +
 5 files changed, 392 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
 create mode 100644 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs

diff --git a/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..06f24c194
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+---
+description: Reference for the 'last' DSC configuration document function
+ms.date:     01/25/2025
+ms.topic:    reference
+title:       last
+---
+
+## Synopsis
+
+Returns the last element of an array, or the last character of a string.
+
+## Syntax
+
+```Syntax
+last(arg)
+```
+
+## Description
+
+The `last()` function returns the final element from an array or the final
+character from a string. This is useful when you need to access the most recent
+item in a sequence, the final stage in a deployment pipeline, or the last
+character in a configuration value.
+
+For arrays, it returns the element at index `length - 1`. For strings, it
+returns the last character as a string. If the input is empty, an error is
+returned.
+
+## Examples
+
+### Example 1 - Extract the final deployment stage (array of strings)
+
+Use `last()` to retrieve the final stage in a multi-stage deployment pipeline.
+This helps you identify which environment or phase should receive special
+handling, such as extended health checks or manual approval gates. This example
+uses [`createArray()`][01] to build the deployment stages.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.1.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Deployment Pipeline
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      finalStage: "[last(createArray('dev', 'test', 'staging', 'production'))]"
+      requiresApproval: true
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.1.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Deployment Pipeline
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        finalStage: production
+        requiresApproval: true
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+This identifies `production` as the final stage, allowing you to apply
+production-specific policies or validations.
+
+### Example 2 - Get the last character of a configuration string
+
+Use `last()` to extract the final character from a string value. This is useful
+for parsing identifiers, checking suffixes, or validating format conventions
+like version numbers or region codes.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.2.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Region Identifier
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      regionCode: us-west-2
+      zoneSuffix: "[last('us-west-2')]"
+      description: "Zone suffix extracted from region code"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.2.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Region Identifier
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        regionCode: us-west-2
+        zoneSuffix: '2'
+        description: Zone suffix extracted from region code
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+The function returns `'2'` as a single-character string, representing the zone
+suffix in the region identifier.
+
+### Example 3 - Identify the most recent backup (array of numbers)
+
+Use `last()` with numerical arrays to find the most recent timestamp or version
+number. This example shows how to select the latest backup from a sorted list
+of timestamps. This example uses [`createArray()`][01] to build the backup
+timestamps.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.3.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Backup Selection
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      availableBackups: "[createArray(1704067200, 1704153600, 1704240000, 1704326400)]"
+      latestBackup: "[last(createArray(1704067200, 1704153600, 1704240000, 1704326400))]"
+      description: "Most recent backup timestamp (Unix epoch)"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.3.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Backup Selection
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        availableBackups:
+        - 1704067200
+        - 1704153600
+        - 1704240000
+        - 1704326400
+        latestBackup: 1704326400
+        description: Most recent backup timestamp (Unix epoch)
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+The function returns `1704326400`, which represents the most recent backup in
+the chronologically sorted array.
+
+### Example 4 - Combine with other functions for complex logic
+
+Use `last()` together with [`split()`][02] to extract file extensions or path
+components. This example demonstrates parsing a filename to get its extension.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.4.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: File Extension Parser
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      filename: config.production.yaml
+      extension: "[last(split('config.production.yaml', '.'))]"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.4.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: File Extension Parser
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        filename: config.production.yaml
+        extension: yaml
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+By combining `split()` and `last()`, you can extract the `yaml` extension from
+the full filename.
+
+## Parameters
+
+### arg
+
+The array or string to get the last element or character from. Required.
+
+```yaml
+Type:     array | string
+Required: true
+Position: 1
+```
+
+## Output
+
+Returns the last element of the array (preserving its original type) or the
+last character as a string. For arrays, the return type matches the element
+type. For strings, returns a single-character string.
+
+```yaml
+Type: any | string
+```
+
+## Errors
+
+The function returns an error in the following cases:
+
+- **Empty array**: The input array has no elements
+- **Empty string**: The input string has no characters
+- **Invalid type**: The argument is not an array or string
+
+## Related functions
+
+- [`first()`][00] - Returns the first element of an array or character of a string
+- [`split()`][02] - Splits a string into an array
+- [`createArray()`][01] - Creates an array from provided values
+
+<!-- Link reference definitions -->
+[00]: ./first.md
+[01]: ./createArray.md
+[02]: ./split.md
diff --git a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1 b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
index 4123a6865..f59b7e1e0 100644
--- a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
+++ b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
@@ -504,6 +504,28 @@ Describe 'tests for function expressions' {
     ($out.results[0].result.actualState.output | Out-String) | Should -BeExactly ($expected | Out-String)
   }
 
+  It 'last function works for: <expression>' -TestCases @(
+    @{ expression = "[last(createArray('hello', 'world'))]"; expected = 'world' }
+    @{ expression = "[last(createArray(1, 2, 3))]"; expected = 3 }
+    @{ expression = "[last('hello')]"; expected = 'o' }
+    @{ expression = "[last('a')]"; expected = 'a' }
+    @{ expression = "[last(array('mixed'))]"; expected = 'mixed' }
+  ) {
+    param($expression, $expected)
+
+    $config_yaml = @"
+            `$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+            resources:
+            - name: Echo
+              type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+              properties:
+                output: "$expression"
+"@
+    $out = dsc -l trace config get -i $config_yaml 2>$TestDrive/error.log | ConvertFrom-Json
+    $LASTEXITCODE | Should -Be 0 -Because (Get-Content $TestDrive/error.log -Raw)
+    ($out.results[0].result.actualState.output | Out-String) | Should -BeExactly ($expected | Out-String)
+  }
+
   It 'indexOf function works for: <expression>' -TestCases @(
     @{ expression = "[indexOf(createArray('apple', 'banana', 'cherry'), 'banana')]"; expected = 1 }
     @{ expression = "[indexOf(createArray('apple', 'banana', 'cherry'), 'cherry')]"; expected = 2 }
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
index ad410767c..f292e340b 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
@@ -343,6 +343,13 @@ emptyArray = "Cannot get first element of empty array"
 emptyString = "Cannot get first character of empty string"
 invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
 
+[functions.last]
+description = "Returns the last element of an array or last character of a string"
+invoked = "last function"
+emptyArray = "Cannot get last element of empty array"
+emptyString = "Cannot get last character of empty string"
+invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
+
 [functions.greater]
 description = "Evaluates if the first value is greater than the second value"
 invoked = "greater function"
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fa855a830
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation.
+// Licensed under the MIT License.
+
+use crate::DscError;
+use crate::configure::context::Context;
+use crate::functions::{FunctionArgKind, Function, FunctionCategory, FunctionMetadata};
+use rust_i18n::t;
+use serde_json::Value;
+use tracing::debug;
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+pub struct Last {}
+
+impl Function for Last {
+    fn get_metadata(&self) -> FunctionMetadata {
+        FunctionMetadata {
+            name: "last".to_string(),
+            description: t!("functions.last.description").to_string(),
+            category: vec![FunctionCategory::Array, FunctionCategory::String],
+            min_args: 1,
+            max_args: 1,
+            accepted_arg_ordered_types: vec![vec![FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::String]],
+            remaining_arg_accepted_types: None,
+            return_types: vec![FunctionArgKind::String, FunctionArgKind::Number, FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::Object],
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn invoke(&self, args: &[Value], _context: &Context) -> Result<Value, DscError> {
+        debug!("{}", t!("functions.last.invoked"));
+        
+        if let Some(array) = args[0].as_array() {
+            if array.is_empty() {
+                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyArray").to_string()));
+            }
+            return Ok(array[array.len() - 1].clone());
+        }
+
+        if let Some(string) = args[0].as_str() {
+            if string.is_empty() {
+                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyString").to_string()));
+            }
+            return Ok(Value::String(string.chars().last().unwrap().to_string()));
+        }
+
+        Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.invalidArgType").to_string()))
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use crate::configure::context::Context;
+    use crate::parser::Statement;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_strings() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('hello', 'world'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("world"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_numbers() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray(1, 2, 3))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.to_string(), "3");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_single_element() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(array('hello'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("hello"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn string_input() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('hello')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("o"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn single_character_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('a')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("a"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_array() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray())]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('')]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_type_object() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createObject('key', 'value'))]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_type_number() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(42)]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_mixed_types() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, true))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_bool(), Some(true));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn unicode_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('Hello🌍')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("🌍"));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
index 01133987e..81ee74455 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ pub mod greater_or_equals;
 pub mod r#if;
 pub mod r#false;
 pub mod first;
+pub mod last;
 pub mod length;
 pub mod less;
 pub mod less_or_equals;
@@ -163,6 +164,7 @@ impl FunctionDispatcher {
             Box::new(r#if::If{}),
             Box::new(r#false::False{}),
             Box::new(first::First{}),
+            Box::new(last::Last{}),
             Box::new(length::Length{}),
             Box::new(less::Less{}),
             Box::new(less_or_equals::LessOrEquals{}),

From b00a4dd86de4f9a5eddecf232d7074cb9ea360f7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:34:09 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 2/7] Fix test

---
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
index fa855a830..a4fb67ff0 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn array_of_mixed_types() {
         let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, true))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
-        assert_eq!(result.as_bool(), Some(true));
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("last"));
     }
 
     #[test]

From e40ea223464649e5b2cbc409eb826797cdde297a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:59:34 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 3/7] Not allowed integers

---
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
index a4fb67ff0..a5dbfcaed 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -115,9 +115,9 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn array_of_mixed_types() {
+    fn array_of_multiple_strings() {
         let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 'middle', 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("last"));
     }
 

From 0968d54a6a4f8eca54774e510f79fb60caecd08b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:16:27 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 4/7] Add `last()` function

---
 .../schemas/config/functions/last.md          | 231 ++++++++++++++++++
 dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1             |  22 ++
 lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml                |   7 +
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs             | 130 ++++++++++
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs              |   2 +
 5 files changed, 392 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
 create mode 100644 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs

diff --git a/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..06f24c194
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+---
+description: Reference for the 'last' DSC configuration document function
+ms.date:     01/25/2025
+ms.topic:    reference
+title:       last
+---
+
+## Synopsis
+
+Returns the last element of an array, or the last character of a string.
+
+## Syntax
+
+```Syntax
+last(arg)
+```
+
+## Description
+
+The `last()` function returns the final element from an array or the final
+character from a string. This is useful when you need to access the most recent
+item in a sequence, the final stage in a deployment pipeline, or the last
+character in a configuration value.
+
+For arrays, it returns the element at index `length - 1`. For strings, it
+returns the last character as a string. If the input is empty, an error is
+returned.
+
+## Examples
+
+### Example 1 - Extract the final deployment stage (array of strings)
+
+Use `last()` to retrieve the final stage in a multi-stage deployment pipeline.
+This helps you identify which environment or phase should receive special
+handling, such as extended health checks or manual approval gates. This example
+uses [`createArray()`][01] to build the deployment stages.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.1.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Deployment Pipeline
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      finalStage: "[last(createArray('dev', 'test', 'staging', 'production'))]"
+      requiresApproval: true
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.1.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Deployment Pipeline
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        finalStage: production
+        requiresApproval: true
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+This identifies `production` as the final stage, allowing you to apply
+production-specific policies or validations.
+
+### Example 2 - Get the last character of a configuration string
+
+Use `last()` to extract the final character from a string value. This is useful
+for parsing identifiers, checking suffixes, or validating format conventions
+like version numbers or region codes.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.2.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Region Identifier
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      regionCode: us-west-2
+      zoneSuffix: "[last('us-west-2')]"
+      description: "Zone suffix extracted from region code"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.2.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Region Identifier
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        regionCode: us-west-2
+        zoneSuffix: '2'
+        description: Zone suffix extracted from region code
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+The function returns `'2'` as a single-character string, representing the zone
+suffix in the region identifier.
+
+### Example 3 - Identify the most recent backup (array of numbers)
+
+Use `last()` with numerical arrays to find the most recent timestamp or version
+number. This example shows how to select the latest backup from a sorted list
+of timestamps. This example uses [`createArray()`][01] to build the backup
+timestamps.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.3.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: Backup Selection
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      availableBackups: "[createArray(1704067200, 1704153600, 1704240000, 1704326400)]"
+      latestBackup: "[last(createArray(1704067200, 1704153600, 1704240000, 1704326400))]"
+      description: "Most recent backup timestamp (Unix epoch)"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.3.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: Backup Selection
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        availableBackups:
+        - 1704067200
+        - 1704153600
+        - 1704240000
+        - 1704326400
+        latestBackup: 1704326400
+        description: Most recent backup timestamp (Unix epoch)
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+The function returns `1704326400`, which represents the most recent backup in
+the chronologically sorted array.
+
+### Example 4 - Combine with other functions for complex logic
+
+Use `last()` together with [`split()`][02] to extract file extensions or path
+components. This example demonstrates parsing a filename to get its extension.
+
+```yaml
+# last.example.4.dsc.config.yaml
+$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+resources:
+- name: File Extension Parser
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  properties:
+    output:
+      filename: config.production.yaml
+      extension: "[last(split('config.production.yaml', '.'))]"
+```
+
+```bash
+dsc config get --file last.example.4.dsc.config.yaml
+```
+
+```yaml
+results:
+- name: File Extension Parser
+  type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+  result:
+    actualState:
+      output:
+        filename: config.production.yaml
+        extension: yaml
+messages: []
+hadErrors: false
+```
+
+By combining `split()` and `last()`, you can extract the `yaml` extension from
+the full filename.
+
+## Parameters
+
+### arg
+
+The array or string to get the last element or character from. Required.
+
+```yaml
+Type:     array | string
+Required: true
+Position: 1
+```
+
+## Output
+
+Returns the last element of the array (preserving its original type) or the
+last character as a string. For arrays, the return type matches the element
+type. For strings, returns a single-character string.
+
+```yaml
+Type: any | string
+```
+
+## Errors
+
+The function returns an error in the following cases:
+
+- **Empty array**: The input array has no elements
+- **Empty string**: The input string has no characters
+- **Invalid type**: The argument is not an array or string
+
+## Related functions
+
+- [`first()`][00] - Returns the first element of an array or character of a string
+- [`split()`][02] - Splits a string into an array
+- [`createArray()`][01] - Creates an array from provided values
+
+<!-- Link reference definitions -->
+[00]: ./first.md
+[01]: ./createArray.md
+[02]: ./split.md
diff --git a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1 b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
index 4123a6865..f59b7e1e0 100644
--- a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
+++ b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
@@ -504,6 +504,28 @@ Describe 'tests for function expressions' {
     ($out.results[0].result.actualState.output | Out-String) | Should -BeExactly ($expected | Out-String)
   }
 
+  It 'last function works for: <expression>' -TestCases @(
+    @{ expression = "[last(createArray('hello', 'world'))]"; expected = 'world' }
+    @{ expression = "[last(createArray(1, 2, 3))]"; expected = 3 }
+    @{ expression = "[last('hello')]"; expected = 'o' }
+    @{ expression = "[last('a')]"; expected = 'a' }
+    @{ expression = "[last(array('mixed'))]"; expected = 'mixed' }
+  ) {
+    param($expression, $expected)
+
+    $config_yaml = @"
+            `$schema: https://aka.ms/dsc/schemas/v3/bundled/config/document.json
+            resources:
+            - name: Echo
+              type: Microsoft.DSC.Debug/Echo
+              properties:
+                output: "$expression"
+"@
+    $out = dsc -l trace config get -i $config_yaml 2>$TestDrive/error.log | ConvertFrom-Json
+    $LASTEXITCODE | Should -Be 0 -Because (Get-Content $TestDrive/error.log -Raw)
+    ($out.results[0].result.actualState.output | Out-String) | Should -BeExactly ($expected | Out-String)
+  }
+
   It 'indexOf function works for: <expression>' -TestCases @(
     @{ expression = "[indexOf(createArray('apple', 'banana', 'cherry'), 'banana')]"; expected = 1 }
     @{ expression = "[indexOf(createArray('apple', 'banana', 'cherry'), 'cherry')]"; expected = 2 }
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
index ad410767c..f292e340b 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
@@ -343,6 +343,13 @@ emptyArray = "Cannot get first element of empty array"
 emptyString = "Cannot get first character of empty string"
 invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
 
+[functions.last]
+description = "Returns the last element of an array or last character of a string"
+invoked = "last function"
+emptyArray = "Cannot get last element of empty array"
+emptyString = "Cannot get last character of empty string"
+invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
+
 [functions.greater]
 description = "Evaluates if the first value is greater than the second value"
 invoked = "greater function"
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fa855a830
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation.
+// Licensed under the MIT License.
+
+use crate::DscError;
+use crate::configure::context::Context;
+use crate::functions::{FunctionArgKind, Function, FunctionCategory, FunctionMetadata};
+use rust_i18n::t;
+use serde_json::Value;
+use tracing::debug;
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+pub struct Last {}
+
+impl Function for Last {
+    fn get_metadata(&self) -> FunctionMetadata {
+        FunctionMetadata {
+            name: "last".to_string(),
+            description: t!("functions.last.description").to_string(),
+            category: vec![FunctionCategory::Array, FunctionCategory::String],
+            min_args: 1,
+            max_args: 1,
+            accepted_arg_ordered_types: vec![vec![FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::String]],
+            remaining_arg_accepted_types: None,
+            return_types: vec![FunctionArgKind::String, FunctionArgKind::Number, FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::Object],
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn invoke(&self, args: &[Value], _context: &Context) -> Result<Value, DscError> {
+        debug!("{}", t!("functions.last.invoked"));
+        
+        if let Some(array) = args[0].as_array() {
+            if array.is_empty() {
+                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyArray").to_string()));
+            }
+            return Ok(array[array.len() - 1].clone());
+        }
+
+        if let Some(string) = args[0].as_str() {
+            if string.is_empty() {
+                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyString").to_string()));
+            }
+            return Ok(Value::String(string.chars().last().unwrap().to_string()));
+        }
+
+        Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.invalidArgType").to_string()))
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use crate::configure::context::Context;
+    use crate::parser::Statement;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_strings() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('hello', 'world'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("world"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_numbers() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray(1, 2, 3))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.to_string(), "3");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_single_element() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(array('hello'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("hello"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn string_input() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('hello')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("o"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn single_character_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('a')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("a"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_array() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray())]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn empty_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('')]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_type_object() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createObject('key', 'value'))]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn invalid_type_number() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(42)]", &Context::new());
+        assert!(result.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn array_of_mixed_types() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, true))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_bool(), Some(true));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn unicode_string() {
+        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('Hello🌍')]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("🌍"));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
index 01133987e..81ee74455 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/mod.rs
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ pub mod greater_or_equals;
 pub mod r#if;
 pub mod r#false;
 pub mod first;
+pub mod last;
 pub mod length;
 pub mod less;
 pub mod less_or_equals;
@@ -163,6 +164,7 @@ impl FunctionDispatcher {
             Box::new(r#if::If{}),
             Box::new(r#false::False{}),
             Box::new(first::First{}),
+            Box::new(last::Last{}),
             Box::new(length::Length{}),
             Box::new(less::Less{}),
             Box::new(less_or_equals::LessOrEquals{}),

From 8d1448351a8d7804c1470028b98fd657f000a9b6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:34:09 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 5/7] Fix test

---
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
index fa855a830..a4fb67ff0 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn array_of_mixed_types() {
         let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, true))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
-        assert_eq!(result.as_bool(), Some(true));
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("last"));
     }
 
     #[test]

From 03841cd0735010c775793fc609f384c2de2c4aad Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:59:34 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 6/7] Not allowed integers

---
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs | 4 ++--
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
index a4fb67ff0..a5dbfcaed 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -115,9 +115,9 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn array_of_mixed_types() {
+    fn array_of_multiple_strings() {
         let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 42, 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
+        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray('text', 'middle', 'last'))]", &Context::new()).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("last"));
     }
 

From 25c8e36004cfb09dd8137704244b066dbe80f14c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "G.Reijn" <gijsreijn@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:41:54 +0100
Subject: [PATCH 7/7] Add null

---
 .../schemas/config/functions/last.md          | 10 +++++-----
 dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1             |  2 ++
 lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml                |  2 --
 lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs             | 20 +++----------------
 4 files changed, 10 insertions(+), 24 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
index 06f24c194..83f6ebfa5 100644
--- a/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
+++ b/docs/reference/schemas/config/functions/last.md
@@ -23,8 +23,7 @@ item in a sequence, the final stage in a deployment pipeline, or the last
 character in a configuration value.
 
 For arrays, it returns the element at index `length - 1`. For strings, it
-returns the last character as a string. If the input is empty, an error is
-returned.
+returns the last character as a string.
 
 ## Examples
 
@@ -207,16 +206,17 @@ Returns the last element of the array (preserving its original type) or the
 last character as a string. For arrays, the return type matches the element
 type. For strings, returns a single-character string.
 
+If the input is an empty array, the function returns `null`. If the input is an
+empty string, the function returns an empty string.
+
 ```yaml
-Type: any | string
+Type: any | string | null
 ```
 
 ## Errors
 
 The function returns an error in the following cases:
 
-- **Empty array**: The input array has no elements
-- **Empty string**: The input string has no characters
 - **Invalid type**: The argument is not an array or string
 
 ## Related functions
diff --git a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1 b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
index f59b7e1e0..feb047d94 100644
--- a/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
+++ b/dsc/tests/dsc_functions.tests.ps1
@@ -510,6 +510,8 @@ Describe 'tests for function expressions' {
     @{ expression = "[last('hello')]"; expected = 'o' }
     @{ expression = "[last('a')]"; expected = 'a' }
     @{ expression = "[last(array('mixed'))]"; expected = 'mixed' }
+    @{ expression = "[last(createArray())]"; expected = $null }
+    @{ expression = "[last('')]"; expected = '' }
   ) {
     param($expression, $expected)
 
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
index f292e340b..54a1eead7 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/locales/en-us.toml
@@ -346,8 +346,6 @@ invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
 [functions.last]
 description = "Returns the last element of an array or last character of a string"
 invoked = "last function"
-emptyArray = "Cannot get last element of empty array"
-emptyString = "Cannot get last character of empty string"
 invalidArgType = "Invalid argument type, argument must be an array or string"
 
 [functions.greater]
diff --git a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
index a5dbfcaed..7b8fb471e 100644
--- a/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
+++ b/lib/dsc-lib/src/functions/last.rs
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ impl Function for Last {
             max_args: 1,
             accepted_arg_ordered_types: vec![vec![FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::String]],
             remaining_arg_accepted_types: None,
-            return_types: vec![FunctionArgKind::String, FunctionArgKind::Number, FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::Object],
+            return_types: vec![FunctionArgKind::String, FunctionArgKind::Number, FunctionArgKind::Array, FunctionArgKind::Object, FunctionArgKind::Null],
         }
     }
 
@@ -30,14 +30,14 @@ impl Function for Last {
         
         if let Some(array) = args[0].as_array() {
             if array.is_empty() {
-                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyArray").to_string()));
+                return Ok(Value::Null);
             }
             return Ok(array[array.len() - 1].clone());
         }
 
         if let Some(string) = args[0].as_str() {
             if string.is_empty() {
-                return Err(DscError::Parser(t!("functions.last.emptyString").to_string()));
+                return Ok(Value::String(String::new()));
             }
             return Ok(Value::String(string.chars().last().unwrap().to_string()));
         }
@@ -86,20 +86,6 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(result.as_str(), Some("a"));
     }
 
-    #[test]
-    fn empty_array() {
-        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last(createArray())]", &Context::new());
-        assert!(result.is_err());
-    }
-
-    #[test]
-    fn empty_string() {
-        let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();
-        let result = parser.parse_and_execute("[last('')]", &Context::new());
-        assert!(result.is_err());
-    }
-
     #[test]
     fn invalid_type_object() {
         let mut parser = Statement::new().unwrap();