The JavaScript "sort()" method outlined in the Mozilla Documentation specifically created for the sorting of numbers

When it comes to sorting numbers in JavaScript, we can utilize the sort() function with a specific trick that yields perfect results. The tip for successful number sorting is as follows:

[12, 2, 23, 3, 43, 54].sort(function (a, b) { return  a - b ; } )
Source #1 and Source#2

The expression a - b within the sorting function might be perplexing to some, including myself. I attempted to dig into the source code, but found it challenging to comprehend. Although I came across an answer on stackoverflow discussing the Algorithm of JavaScript “sort()” Function, my confusion remains unresolved.

I am eager to learn about what precisely takes place at the core of a - b. Could someone please shed light on this matter?

javascriptalgorithmsorting

Answer №1

As described on this page:

When comparing two elements, a and b, the following rules apply:

  1. If compareFunction(a, b) is less than 0, move a to a lower index than b (a comes first).
  2. If compareFunction(a, b) returns 0, keep a and b in their relative order but sort with respect to other elements.
  3. If compareFunction(a, b) is greater than 0, move b to a lower index than a (b comes first).

For an array of numbers, using the function (a, b) => a - b (simple subtraction) will have the following outcomes:

  • If a is larger than b, a positive number is returned (e.g. 5 - 3 = 2): based on the 3rd rule above, b comes first.
  • If a equals b, 0 is returned (e.g. 5 - 5 = 0): as per the 2nd rule above, keep a and b unchanged.
  • If a is smaller than b, a negative number is returned (e.g. 3 - 5 = -2): following the 1st rule above, a comes first.

Answer №2

Let's say you have an array that looks like this:

const numbers = [55, 20, 7, 41, 13]

To arrange the array in ascending order, you can do the following:

numbers.sort(function(x, y){return x - y});

For descending order, use this:

numbers.sort(function(x, y){return y - x});

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