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Software Engineering vocabulary · Data Structures and Algorithms

Sort

Meaning in software engineering, with examples

/sɔːrt/verbCore term

In software engineering, sort means: To put items in a particular order, for example numbers from smallest to largest or names alphabetically. Many algorithms exist to do this efficiently.

In Turkish: sıralamak, sıraya koymak

How it is used

You sort a list in ascending or descending order, by date or by name. Sorting algorithms such as quicksort and merge sort are classic interview topics. Most languages have a built-in sort function, which you should normally use.

Example sentences

  1. Sort the orders by date, newest first.

  2. We sort the results on the server, so the client doesn't have to.

Common collocations

  • sort by date
  • sort in ascending order
  • sorting algorithm
  • sort order
  • algorithmA clear, step-by-step method for solving a problem or doing a task, such as sorting a list or finding the shortest route between two points.
  • arrayAn ordered collection of items stored one after another, where each item can be reached by its position number, called an index.
  • binary searchA fast way to find a value in a sorted list by checking the middle item and repeatedly throwing away the half where the value cannot be.
  • time complexityHow the number of steps an algorithm takes grows as the size of its input grows, usually written in Big O notation.

More terms: Data Structures and Algorithms

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