Unlike the Fourier series expansion, the discrete Fourier transform is defined on a finite basis set of harmonic functions. The first approach is widely used in condensed matter to describe the thermodynamic limit of various lattice models, while the latter did not receive sufficient development that would allow to address finite lattices. In the present paper a general expression for the Green's function of a finite one-dimensional lattice with nearest neighbor interaction is derived for the first time via discrete Fourier transform. Solution of the Heisenberg spin chain with periodic and open boundary conditions is considered as an example. Although the final expressions are completely equivalent to Bethe ansatz, the examples allow us to clarify the differences between the two approaches. On the other hand, it is explained why the well known results obtained by Fourier series expansion were incomplete and thus provides a deeper understanding of the approach.
