`sorted(list)` vs. `list.sort()`: What\'s the Difference and When Should I Use Each?

Understanding the Difference between sorted(list) and list.sort()

In Python, sorting lists is a common task. Two commonly used methods for doing so are sorted(list) and list.sort(). While both methods result in a sorted list, they differ significantly in their functionality and usage.

Functionality

• sorted(list): Returns a new, sorted list. It does not modify the original list.
• list.sort(): Sorts the list in-place. It modifies the original list and returns None.

Use Cases

• sorted(list) should be preferred when you want to retain the original order of elements and obtain a sorted copy.
• list.sort() should be used when you only need a sorted version of the list and don't mind modifying the original list.

Efficiency

• For lists, list.sort() is more efficient than sorted(list) because it operates in-place, avoiding the creation of a new list.
• For other iterables (such as strings, tuples, etc.), sorted(list) must be used as list.sort() is not applicable to non-lists.

Reverting to Original State

• sorted(list) does not modify the original list, so the original order of elements is preserved.
• list.sort() sorts the list in-place, and there is no way to retrieve the original order of elements.

Conclusion

sorted(list) and list.sort() serve different purposes. sorted(list) returns a new, sorted copy of an iterable, while list.sort() sorts the list in-place, making it suitable for situations where you want to mutate the original list. The choice between these methods depends on the desired functionality and whether preserving the original order is a concern.

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