sort() Array Method
The sort() array method is a built-in method in JavaScript that modifies the original array and sorts its elements in place.
Here is a quick example:
let fruits = ['apple', 'banana', 'kiwi', 'mango'];
fruits.sort();
console.log(fruits);
// Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'kiwi', 'mango']
By default, the sort() method sorts the elements alphabetically in ascending order.
To reverse the sort order, you can use the reverse() method after calling the sort() method.
Syntax and Parameters
array.sort([compareFunction])
| Parameter | Description | Optional/Required |
|---|---|---|
compareFunction | A function that defines the sort order. If omitted, the elements are sorted in ascending order according to their converted values. The function should take two arguments and return a negative, positive, or zero value. | Optional |
sort() method examples:
Sort an array in ascending order
let numbers = [3, 1, 2];
numbers.sort((a, b) => a - b);
console.log(numbers);
// Output: [1, 2, 3]
Sort an array in ascending order by age
let people = [{ name: 'Alice', age: 30 }, { name: 'Bob', age: 25 }, { name: 'Eve', age: 35 }];
people.sort((a, b) => a.age - b.age);
console.log(people);
// Output: [{ name: 'Bob', age: 25 }, { name: 'Alice', age: 30 }, { name: 'Eve', age: 35 }]
Sort an array in descending order by name
let people = [{ name: 'Alice', age: 30 }, { name: 'Bob', age: 25 }, { name: 'Eve', age: 35 }];
people.sort((a, b) => b.name.localeCompare(a.name));
console.log(people);
// Output: [{ name: 'Eve', age: 35 }, { name: 'Alice', age: 30 }, { name: 'Bob', age: 25 }]
Other array sort methods that you may want to investigate include:
reverse() - Reverses the elements of an array in place.
sortBy() - Sorts the elements of an array in place according to the values returned by a mapping function.
orderBy() - Sorts the elements of an array in place according to the values returned by a key function.
Related Questions on Web Developer
How do you sort an array of JavaScript variables by one of its string property values?