JavaScript - sort array

In this article, we would like to show you how to sort arrays in JavaScript.

1. Sorting array alphabetically

In this example, to sort the array in alphabetical order we use Array sort (Array.prototype.sort) method.

// ONLINE-RUNNER:browser;

var array = ['C', 'A', 'B'];
array.sort();

console.log(array);

2. Sorting array in ascending order with compare function

In this example, numbers are sorted from smallest to biggest with compare function.

// ONLINE-RUNNER:browser;

var array = [5, 2, 3, 1, 4];

array.sort(function(a, b) {
    return a - b;
});

console.log(array);

3. Sorting array in descending order

In this example, to sort the array in descending order we swap the subtraction components (negative and subtractive) in the compare function.

// ONLINE-RUNNER:browser;

var array = [5, 2, 3, 1, 4];

array.sort(function(a, b) {
    return b - a;
});

console.log(array);

4. Sorting array in descending order with reverse method example

In this example numbers are sorted from biggest to smallest - in this case, the reverse function has been used.

Note:

To sort array in descending order, we recommend to use the previous solution.

// ONLINE-RUNNER:browser;

var array = [5, 2, 3, 1, 4];

array.sort(function(a, b) {
    return a - b;
}).reverse();

console.log(array);

See also

1. JavaScript - reverse array