Array.Sort

Learn to sort an array in ascending order with Array.Sort.

Array.Sort

The Array.Sort method sorts an array in place in ascending order. It does not return a new array; it rearranges the elements of the existing array. Numbers go from smallest to largest, strings alphabetically.

For example, after int[] nums = { 5, 2, 8, 1 }; Array.Sort(nums);, the nums array becomes { 1, 2, 5, 8 }. Because sorting changes the array directly, you cannot reach the old order afterwards.

Sort order and types

Array.Sort always sorts in ascending order. For descending order, first call Array.Sort and then reverse with Array.Reverse.

For string arrays the sort is alphabetical, sensitive to culture and case. The array string[] names = { "Zeynep", "Ayşe" } becomes { "Ayşe", "Zeynep" } after sorting.

Exercise Sort scores and print the first element

Sort the given int[] scores = { 78, 92, 65, 88 }; array with Array.Sort. Then print the first element (scores[0]) with Console.WriteLine.

Show example solution

Sort the array with Array.Sort(scores); and print the first element with Console.WriteLine(scores[0]);.
Example solution:
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        int[] scores = { 78, 92, 65, 88 };
        // Sort the scores and print the first element
        Array.Sort(scores);
        Console.WriteLine(scores[0]);
    }
}

Test yourself

What does nums[0] print after Array.Sort?
```
int[] nums = { 5, 2, 8, 1 };
Array.Sort(nums);
Console.WriteLine(nums[0]);
```
- 1
- 5
- 8
- 0
Show answer

1 — Correct. In ascending order the smallest element 1 lands at nums[0].

Array.Sort call

int[] nums = { 5, 2, 8, 1 };
____
Console.WriteLine(nums[0]);

Show answer

int[] nums = { 5, 2, 8, 1 };
Array.Sort(nums);
Console.WriteLine(nums[0]);

Match each method to its meaning

Array.Sort

Sorts ascending
Array.Reverse

Reverses order
Array.IndexOf

Finds index
Array.Copy

Copies elements

Next lesson: Array.Reverse

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