How to Sort List of Strings in Python Quickly and Easily

To sort a list of strings in Python, use the sorted() function or the list's .sort() method. Both arrange strings alphabetically by default, with sorted() returning a new list and .sort() modifying the list in place.

Syntax

There are two main ways to sort a list of strings in Python:

• sorted(list_of_strings): Returns a new sorted list without changing the original.
• list_of_strings.sort(): Sorts the list in place, changing the original list.

Both sort alphabetically by default and accept optional parameters like reverse=True to sort in descending order.

python

sorted_list = sorted(list_of_strings)
list_of_strings.sort()

Example

This example shows how to sort a list of fruit names alphabetically using both sorted() and .sort().

python

fruits = ['banana', 'apple', 'cherry', 'date']

# Using sorted() returns a new sorted list
sorted_fruits = sorted(fruits)
print('Sorted with sorted():', sorted_fruits)

# Original list remains unchanged
print('Original list:', fruits)

# Using .sort() sorts the list in place
fruits.sort()
print('Sorted with .sort():', fruits)

Output

Sorted with sorted(): ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date']
Original list: ['banana', 'apple', 'cherry', 'date']
Sorted with .sort(): ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date']

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when sorting strings include:

• Expecting sorted() to change the original list (it does not).
• Using .sort() but forgetting it returns None, so assigning its result to a variable will cause errors.
• Not considering case sensitivity, which affects sort order (uppercase letters sort before lowercase).

To sort ignoring case, use the key=str.lower parameter.

python

# Wrong: assigning result of .sort() to a variable
fruits = ['banana', 'Apple', 'cherry']
sorted_fruits = fruits.sort()  # sorted_fruits will be None

# Right: use sorted() or call .sort() without assignment
sorted_fruits = sorted(fruits, key=str.lower)
fruits.sort(key=str.lower)
print(sorted_fruits)
print(fruits)

Output

['Apple', 'banana', 'cherry']
['Apple', 'banana', 'cherry']

Quick Reference

Summary of sorting list of strings in Python:

Method	Description	Modifies Original List	Returns Sorted List
sorted(list)	Returns a new sorted list	No	Yes
list.sort()	Sorts the list in place	Yes	No (returns None)
key=str.lower	Sort ignoring case	Depends on method	Depends on method
reverse=True	Sort in descending order	Depends on method	Depends on method

Key Takeaways

Use sorted() to get a new sorted list without changing the original.

Use .sort() to sort the list in place; it returns None.

To sort strings ignoring case, use the key=str.lower parameter.

Remember that sorting is alphabetical by default and case-sensitive.

Avoid assigning the result of .sort() to a variable.