Sorting lists
- Python course
- Beginner
- Lesson 57/116
- 4 min
Learn sorting with sort() and sorted().
Sorting lists
There are two ways to sort a list: sort sorts the list in place, sorted returns a new sorted list:
numbers = [3, 1, 2]
numbers.sort() # [1, 2, 3] (in place)
sorted_list = sorted(numbers) # new listsort modifies the list; sorted keeps the original. For reverse order use sort(reverse=True).
Reverse sorting
Use sort(reverse=True) for descending order:
numbers = [1, 3, 2]
numbers.sort(reverse=True)
print(numbers) # [3, 2, 1]Strings sort alphabetically by default: ["b", "a"].sort() → ["a", "b"]. reverse=True gives reverse alphabetical.
Reverse sorting is often used when a descending display is needed and it shortens the code.
Reverse sorting is often used when a descending display is needed and it shortens the code.
Reverse sorting is often used when a descending display is needed and it shortens the code.
Reverse sorting is often used when a descending display is needed and it shortens the code.
Practice Sort and print
Assign numbers = [3, 1, 2]. Call numbers.sort(). Print print(numbers).
Starter code
# Sort the listSample solution
numbers = [3, 1, 2]
numbers.sort()
print(numbers)Expected output
[1, 2, 3]
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 What is the difference between sort and sorted?
- They are the same
- sort is in place, sorted returns new Correct answer
- sorted is in place, sort returns new
- Both are in place
Explanation: sort modifies the list in place, sorted returns a new list.
2 Complete the sort call
numbers = [3, 1, 2]
numbers.____()numbers = [3, 1, 2]
numbers.sort()Explanation: sort sorts the list in place.
3 Match the sorting concepts
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
sort |
Sort in place |
sorted |
New sorted list |
reverse=True |
Descending |
len |
Length |