Python is a popular programming language used for various purposes like web development, machine learning, data analysis, and more. It provides a wide range of built-in functions that make coding easier and more efficient. One of these functions is the sort() function, which is used to sort elements in a list.
In this article, we’ll explore the sort() function in Python, its syntax, return value of sort function in python , and examples of how to use it. We’ll also provide some FAQs to help you understand the function better.
What is Sort() Function in Python?
The sort() function in Python is used to sort the elements of a list in ascending or descending order. It can be used to sort numbers, strings, and other data types in a list. The sort() function changes the original list and does not create a new one.
The sort function in python uses the "stable sort" algorithm to sort the elements of a list. A stable sort algorithm maintains the relative order of equal elements. For example, if you have two elements "a" and "b" in a list, where "a" comes before "b", the sort() function will maintain this order even after sorting the list.
Syntax of Sort Function in Python
The syntax of the sort() function in Python is as follows:
list.sort(key=None, reverse=False)Here, list is the list that needs to be sorted. The key and reverse parameters are optional.
Parameter of Sort Function in Python
The key parameter is a function that is used to customize the sorting order. If key is specified, it will be used to extract a comparison key from each element in the list. The sorting will be done based on the comparison key instead of the original element.
The reverse parameter is a boolean value that determines whether the list should be sorted in ascending or descending order. If reverse is True, the list will be sorted in descending order. Otherwise, it will be sorted in ascending order.
Time Complexity of Sort Function in Python
The time complexity of the sort() function in Python is O(n log n) for average and worst cases. However, for the best case scenario where the list is already sorted, the time complexity reduces to O(n).
Return Value of Sort Function in Python
The sort() function in Python does not return anything. It sorts the list in place, which means that it changes the original list and does not create a new one.
Examples of Sort Function in Python
Let’s take a look at some examples of how to use the sort function in Python:
Example 1: Sort Function in Python
Here we Sort a list of numbers in ascending order
Code Implementation:
numbers = [4, 11, 6, 12, 3, 5]
numbers.sort()
print(numbers)Output:
[3,4,5,6,11,12]Explanation:
In this example, we have a list of numbers [4, 11, 6, 12, 3, 5]. We use the sort() function to sort the list in ascending order. The print() function is used to display the sorted list.
Example 2: Sort Function in Python
Here we Sort a list of numbers in descending order
numbers = [4, 2, 11, 1, 3, 9]
numbers.sort(reverse=True)
print(numbers)Output:
[11, 9, 4, 3, 2, 1]Explanation:
In this example, we have a list of numbers [4, 2, 11, 1, 3, 9]. We use the sort() function with the reverse=True parameter to sort the list in descending order. The print() function is used to display the sorted list.
Example 3: Sort Function in Python
Here we Sorting a list of strings
fruits = ["banana", "apple", "cherry", "kiwi", "mango"]
fruits.sort()
print(fruits)Output:
['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'kiwi', 'mango']Explanation:
In this example, we create a list of strings and use the sort() function to sort them in ascending order. The sort() function modifies the original fruits list in place and sorts it in alphabetical order.
Example 4: Sort Function in Python
Sorting a list based on the length of strings
fruits = ["banana", "apple", "cherry", "kiwi", "mango"]
fruits.sort(key=len)
print(fruits)Output:
['kiwi', 'mango', 'apple', 'banana', 'cherry']Explanation
In this example, we create a list of strings and use the sort() function with the key=len parameter to sort them based on the length of each string. The sort() function modifies the original fruits list in place and sorts it based on the length of each string.
Summary
In summary, the sort() function in Python is a method of a list object that is used to sort the elements of a list in place. The function takes two optional parameters: key, which is a function used to customize the sorting order, and reverse, which determines whether the list should be sorted in ascending or descending order. The sort() function modifies the original list in place and does not return a new sorted list.
Sort Function in Python – FAQs
Here are the some FAQs on sort function in python
Q1: Can the sort() function sort a list of custom objects?
Ans: Yes, the sort() function can sort a list of custom objects, but it requires a custom key function that defines the sorting order. The key function should return a value that can be used to compare the objects in the list.
Q2: How does the sort() function compare strings?
Ans: The sort() function compares strings based on their ASCII values. In other words, it sorts them alphabetically, with uppercase letters coming before lowercase letters.
Q3: Does the sort() function modify the original list or create a new sorted list?
Ans: The sort function in python modifies the original list in place and does not create a new sorted list.
Q4: What is the difference between the sort() and sorted() functions in Python?
Ans: The sort() function is a method of a list object that sorts the elements of a list in place, while the sorted() function is a built-in Python function that returns a new sorted list without modifying the original list.
Q5: Can the sort() function sort a list in reverse order?
Ans: Yes, the sort() function can sort a list in reverse order by setting the reverse parameter to True.
Q6: Can the sort() function be used with other collection types, such as tuples or dictionaries?
Ans: No, the sort() function is a method of a list object and can only be used with lists.