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What does "sort" mean in programming?
sort is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
To arrange elements of an array or list in a specific order (ascending, descending, or custom). In JavaScript, array.sort() sorts in place and accepts an optional comparator function.
Example
"items.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)); // sorts alphabetically"
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sort | verb (infinitive) | To arrange elements in a defined order | "Sort the results alphabetically before displaying them." |
| sorted | past tense | Arranged in a defined order | "The array was sorted in descending order." |
| sorting | gerund | Arranging elements in a defined order | "Sorting on the server is more efficient than sorting in the browser." |
Related terms
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