Sorting in Python: Differences between sort() and sorted() functions

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In Python, both the sort() method and the sorted() function are used to sort lists, but they have key differences in terms of functionality, usage, and behavior. Let’s explore these differences in detail.

sort() Method

• In-place Sorting: The sort() method sorts the list in place, meaning it modifies the original list and does not create a new list.
• Returns None: Since it modifies the list in place, sort() returns None.
• Usage: It is used as a method on a list object.
• Parameters: It can take two optional parameters:
• key: A function that serves as a key for the sort comparison.
• reverse: A boolean value. If True, the list elements are sorted in descending order.

Example:

my_list = [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]
my_list.sort() # Modifies my_list in place
print(my_list) # Outputs: [1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9]

sorted() Function

• Returns a New List: The sorted() function returns a new sorted list from the elements of any iterable (such as lists, tuples, dictionaries, etc.) without modifying the original.
• Original List Unchanged: Since it returns a new list, the original list or iterable remains unchanged.
• Usage: It is used as a standalone function.
• Parameters: Similar to sort(), it takes optional parameters:
• key: A function that serves as a key for the sort comparison.
• reverse: A boolean value. If True, the new list elements are sorted in descending order.

Example:

my_list = [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]
sorted_list = sorted(my_list) # Creates a new sorted list
print(sorted_list) # Outputs: [1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9]
print(my_list) # Original list remains unchanged: [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]

Key Differences

1. In-place vs. New List:

– sort(): Modifies the original list in place and returns None.
– sorted(): Returns a new sorted list, leaving the original list unchanged.

1. Return Value:

– sort(): Returns None.
– sorted(): Returns a new list.

1. Usage Context:

– sort(): Used as a method of list objects.
– sorted(): Used as a function that can accept any iterable.

1. Flexibility:

– sort(): Only works with lists.
– sorted(): Can work with any iterable (lists, tuples, dictionaries, etc.).

Practical Considerations

• Use sort() when you need to sort a list in place and do not need to keep the original order.
• Use sorted() when you need to sort an iterable and want to preserve the original data or need to sort something that is not a list.

Example Code Demonstrating Both

# Using sort()
my_list = [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]
my_list.sort()
print("After sort():", my_list) # Outputs: [1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9]

# Using sorted()
my_list = [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]
sorted_list = sorted(my_list)
print("Original list:", my_list) # Outputs: [3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, 2]
print("After sorted():", sorted_list) # Outputs: [1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9]

Conclusion

Both sort() and sorted() are useful tools for sorting in Python, but they serve different purposes depending on whether you need to modify the original list or create a new sorted list from an iterable. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the appropriate method for your specific use case.

 

 

 

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Source: Google, https://developers.google.com/edu/python/sorting#list-comprehensions-optional

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