sort Statement

sort anArray using <expression with element and nextElement>

sort allows you to sort an array by using an expression to compare array elements with each other. The sort algorithm will call the expression each time two elements need to be compared, see also the examples below.

It is not determined what sort algorithm will actually be used, though a Quicksort derivative is the most common.

Be aware that sort algorithms are not linear (typically n log n to n² iterations for n elements). Therefore, you should keep the expression as compact as possible.

When using a boolean expression, make sure that equality always returns true (e.g. by using <= instead of <). Otherwise, the implemented sort algorithm may take longer than necessary or not terminate at all.

anArray

Can be any variable or object attribute having the type Array.

<expression with element and next element>

This expression must use the currently evaluated array element and its next neighbor and indicates if the current order is OK or not.

Sort an array of integers in ascending order

set sorted = sort myList using element - nextElement;

Sort an array of strings in ascending order

set sorted = sort myList using element.text < nextElement.text;

Sort an array using dates in descending

set sorted = sort myList using element.date > nextElement.date;

Sort an array using boolean return values

set sorted = sort myList using element <= nextElement;

Sort an array with complex elements over 2 sort key

set sorted = sort inputContainer.elements using (element.aString =  nextElement.aString and element.anInteger < nextElement.anInteger) or element.aString < nextElement.aString;

an integer

< 0

element precedes nextElement

= 0

element and nextElement are equal

> 0

element succeeds nextElement

a boolean

true

element precedes nextElement

false

element succeeds nextElement