sorted() function in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the sorted() function do in Python?

The sorted() function takes any iterable (like a list or tuple) and returns a new list with all the items in ascending order by default.

beginner

How do you sort a list in descending order using sorted()?

Use the reverse=True argument inside sorted(). For example: sorted(my_list, reverse=True) sorts the list from highest to lowest.

intermediate

What is the difference between sorted() and the list method sort()?

sorted() returns a new sorted list and works on any iterable. list.sort() changes the original list in place and returns None.

intermediate

How can you sort a list of strings ignoring case using sorted()?

Use the key=str.lower argument to sort strings without case sensitivity. Example: sorted(words, key=str.lower).

beginner

What type of object does sorted() return?

sorted() always returns a new list, even if the input is a tuple or other iterable.

What will sorted([3, 1, 2]) return?

A [1, 2, 3]

B [3, 2, 1]

C [3, 1, 2]

D Error

sorted() returns a new list sorted in ascending order.

Which argument sorts a list in descending order?

A reverse=True

B descending=True

C order='desc'

D desc=True

The correct argument is reverse=True.

What does sorted() return when given a tuple?

A A sorted tuple

B A sorted list

C The original tuple

D An error

sorted() always returns a new list, even if input is a tuple.

How do you sort strings ignoring case?

A sorted(strings, key=ignore_case)

B sorted(strings, ignore_case=True)

C sorted(strings, key=str.lower)

D sorted(strings, case=False)

Use key=str.lower to ignore case while sorting.

Which is true about list.sort() compared to sorted()?

A <code>list.sort()</code> returns a tuple

B <code>list.sort()</code> returns a new sorted list

C <code>list.sort()</code> works on any iterable

D <code>list.sort()</code> sorts the list in place

list.sort() changes the original list and returns None.

Explain how to use the sorted() function to sort a list in descending order and ignoring case for strings.

Think about the arguments <code>reverse</code> and <code>key</code>.

Describe the difference between sorted() and list.sort() in Python.

Consider what happens to the original list.