Step 1: Recall the formula for a $2 \times 2$ determinant.
For a matrix
\[
\begin{vmatrix}
a & b
c & d
\end{vmatrix},
\]
the determinant is calculated using the formula:
\[
ad - bc
\] Step 2: Identify the matrix elements.
From the given matrix:
\[
a = 1,\quad b = 2,\quad c = 3,\quad d = 4
\] Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula.
\[
\text{Determinant} = (1 \times 4) - (2 \times 3)
\] Step 4: Perform the calculations.
\[
= 4 - 6
\]
\[
= -2
\] Step 5: Conclusion.
The value of the given determinant is $-2$.