What is the Difference Between sort() and sorted() in Python

What is the Difference Between sort() and sorted() in Python

When we talk about the difference between sort and sorted in Python the first thing that comes to our mind is what sorting? Python makes it simple to sort any sequence since it includes built-in sorting functions. Sort() and Sorted() in Python are very different sorting methods.

The sort() function returns nothing and modifies the existing sequence, but the sorted() function generates an entirely new sequence type creating a sorted version of the input sequence. Let’s discuss:

What is the sort() function in Python?

The sort() function, like the Sorted Function, is used to sort data, however, it has several different applications. It is a list method, which means it can only be used for sorting lists. The sort() function returns nothing, so it modifies the object delivered, i.e., the original sequence.

Syntax: list_name.sort(key, reverse=False)

Parameters of sort() function in Python

There are 2 parameters passed in the sort() built-in method, i.e:

  • Key
  • Reverse

1. Key: This is an optional parameter. This serves as a basis for analysis and sorting.

2. Reverse: This is an optional parameter. It is a boolean variable, which means that if set to True, the variable is sorted in descending order; otherwise, it is sorted in ascending order. The default value for reverse is false.

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What is the sorted() function in Python?

The sorted function is one of Python's most adaptable functions. It can also sort lists, sets, and dictionaries. It sorts in ascending order by default, but it can also sort in descending order using the reverse argument. For example, if the reverse parameter is set to true, the dictionary is sorted in descending order. The sorted function is distinguished by the fact that it does not change the object's original sequence; instead, it generates and returns a sorted copy of the item.

Syntax: sorted(iterable, key, reverse = True)`

Parameters of sorted() function in Python

There are 3 parameters passed in the sorted() built-in method, i.e:

  • Iterable
  • Key
  • Reverse

1. Iterable: This is the Python object that requires sorting. It can be a sequence of values, i.e. a list, tuple, or string, or a collection.

2. Key: This is an optional parameter that serves as a basis for comparison and categorization.

3. Reverse: This is an optional parameter. It is a boolean variable, which means that if set to True, the variable is sorted in descending order; otherwise, it is sorted in ascending order. The default value for reverse is false.

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Difference Between sort() and sorted() in Python

Looking for What is the Difference between sort and sorted in Python then find below the table to understandsort and sorted difference in python

Sort() Method

Sorted() Method

The Sort() function only works on lists.

The Sorted() function can be used in both sequences and collections.

It sorts the item in place and returns nothing.

It produces a sorted list of the iterable that was provided.

It sorts the original sequence, often known as in-place sorting.

It makes a sorted copy of the Python object.

It uses two parameters: key and reverse.

It uses three parameters: iterable, key, and reverse.

Syntax: list_name.sort(key, reverse=False)

Syntax: sorted(iterable, key, reverse = True)

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Examples of sort() and sorted() in Python

Example of Sort() function in Python:

Example 1: Using the sort() method with a list in Python.

Code

sort-and-sorted-in-python1

Output

sort-and-sorted-in-python2

Explanation: In this example, the above code sorts a list of numbers directly, changing the order of the elements in the original list. It then writes out the sorted list.

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Example 2: Using the sort() function to sort in decreasing order.

Code

sort-and-sorted-in-python3

Output

 sort-and-sorted-in-python4

Explanation: In the above code we first establish a list to contain a sequence of unsorted sequence numbers. Then we use the sort() method, which sorts the list in place. Finally, we will have a sorted sequence of numbers.

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Examples of Sorted() function in Python:

Example1: Using sorted() function with List in Python

Code:

sort-and-sorted-in-python5

Output

sort-and-sorted-in-python6

Example 2: Using Sorted() function with Set in Python

Code

sort-and-sorted-in-python7

Output

sort-and-sorted-in-python8

Example 3: Using Sorted() function with Dictionary in Python

Code

sort-and-sorted-in-python9

Output

sort-and-sorted-in-python10

Example 4: Using Sorted() function with String in Python

Code

sort-and-sorted-in-python11

Output

 sort-and-sorted-in-python12

Key Differences between Sort() and Sorted() in Python

The following points are the Key differences between them:

  • The key difference between sort() and sorted() is their return value. Sort () returns nothing because it changes the original list in place. Whereas, sorted() returns a new sorted list.
  • Sort() completely changes the original list, whereas sorted() remains the existing list while generating a new sorted list. It implies that if you need to keep the original order, sorted() is the most secure method.
  • Although both sort() and sorted() use lists, sorted() can be implemented to any variable, such as tuples, strings, and dictionaries, whereas sort() is just limited to lists.
  • Sort() uses key and reverse parameters, whereas sorted() uses iterable, key, and reverse parameters.

Conclusion

While understanding sort() and sorted() both the sorted() function always returns a list. Also, take note that the sort() method is only usable on lists. The sets and dictionaries lack a sort() method because they are unordered collections of elements. Both functions sort data, but sort() sorts Python lists and sorted() sorts iterable data.

FAQS

Q1. Which library is sorted in Python?

A: Sorting Algorithms in Python Libraries and Modules

Q2. Which sorting algorithm is best?

A: Quicksort is one of the most efficient sorting algorithms, which also makes it one of the most widely used. The first step is to choose a pivot number, which will separate the data, with smaller numbers on the left and larger numbers on the right.

Q3. Why is sorting important?

A: It is easier and faster to find items in a sorted list than in an unsorted list. Sorting algorithms can be used in a program to sort an array and then search for or write it to an ordered file or report. Imagine trying to find an item in a list without first sorting it.

Q4. Is set immutable in Python?

A: A set is mutable, meaning we can remove or add elements to it. Python sets are similar to mathematical sets, and operations such as intersection, union, and symmetric difference can be used.