Python Sorting with sorted()

Basic

Python's sorted() function creates a new list containing the items from an iterable in sorted order. It is useful when you want an ordered result without changing the original object.

Get a new sorted list

Pass an iterable to sorted and Python returns a new list. The input is not changed just because you sorted its values.

sorted works with any iterable

sorted accepts an iterable, not only a list. The result is always a new list, even when the input is another iterable type.

Choose a key for the ordering

The keyword-only key argument receives each item and produces the value Python uses for comparison. The original items are what appear in the resulting list.

Reverse the ordering

Set reverse=True to request the opposite sort order. The argument is keyword-only and expects a Boolean value.

Equal keys keep their original order

sorted is stable: when two items compare equal by their sort key, their relative order from the input is preserved. This makes multi-step sorting possible when each step uses a different key.

Sort by more than one value

A key function can return a value such as a tuple. Python compares that tuple from left to right, so one key can express primary and secondary ordering rules.

sorted() and list.sort() do different jobs

The list.sort() method changes an existing list in place and returns None. In contrast, sorted works with any iterable and returns a new list. Choose based on whether you need to preserve the original collection and on whether your input is a list.

Use the key that matches the question

Sorting is easiest to reason about when the key expresses the information that should determine order. For simple values, the default comparison may be enough; for records or text, a key often makes the intent explicit.

Keep sorted as the main tool when you want an ordered copy of an iterable. The Lists lesson remains the owner of list operations; this lesson owns sorting choices, key and reverse behavior, stability, and the distinction between sorted() and list.sort().