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Sort function: Python 2 v. Python 3


You can use the Python sort function to sort both lists of numbers and words. Note however that the syntax was changed in Python 3, so a script that worked in Python 2 will not work in Python 3.

In Python 2 the sorted() function will sort through data in an named set. The function follows print.

>>> a = [5, 1, 4, 3] >>> print sorted(a) [1, 3, 4, 5] >>> print a [5, 1, 4, 3]

. . . nice and easy. The named set remains in the same order.

However in Python 3, the sorted function has to be enclosed in parentheses after print.

>>> z = ['zebra', 'lion', 'giraffe', 'tiger', 'gazelle'] >>> print(sorted(z)) ['gazelle', 'giraffe', 'lion', 'tiger', 'zebra'] >>>

In either version text, has to be enclosed in quotes, but numbers do not.


Sean O'Shea has more than 20 years of experience in the litigation support field with major law firms in New York and San Francisco.   He is an ACEDS Certified eDiscovery Specialist and a Relativity Certified Administrator.

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The views expressed in this blog are those of the owner and do not reflect the views or opinions of the owner’s employer.

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