What is the function of the slide in a semi-automatic firearm?

The slide in a semi-automatic firearm serves a critical function in the operation of the weapon. Its primary role is to eject the spent casing after a shot has been fired and to chamber a new round from the magazine into the firing position. When the trigger is pulled, the firearm fires the round, and the resulting recoil causes the slide to move backward. This backward motion ejects the empty casing and simultaneously compresses the recoil spring. Once the slide reaches its rearmost position, the spring pushes it forward again, allowing it to strip a new round from the magazine and chamber it, making the firearm ready for the next shot. This cycle of ejection and loading is what enables rapid firing without requiring manual reloading of each round, distinguishing semi-automatics from revolvers and other types of firearms.