How to Sort an Array by Object Property in JavaScript

Learn how to sort an array of objects in ascending order by a specific property using JavaScript. This guide provides a clear function implementation and example outputs.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: JavaScript: Comparing Two objects in one array

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Sort an Array by Object Property in JavaScript

If you're new to JavaScript and diving into the world of arrays and objects, you may encounter challenges that can seem daunting. One common task is sorting an array of objects based on a specific property. Whether you're working on a larger project or just practicing your skills, understanding this process can be quite beneficial.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to sort an array of objects by a specific property using JavaScript. Let’s dive in!

The Problem

Imagine you have an array of objects, and you need to sort them based on one of their properties. For example, given the following objects:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Our task is to sort this array based on property b in ascending order. The expected output would be:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

So, how do we achieve this in JavaScript? Let’s break it down.

Creating the Sort Function

We need to create a function that will take an array of objects as an argument, sort those objects by the specified property, and return the sorted array.

Step 1: Understand the Sort Method

JavaScript has a built-in sort() method that can be used on arrays. The sort() function takes a callback as its argument. This callback receives two elements from the array, which we will refer to as x and y. The return value of this callback determines the sort order:

Returning a positive number will place x after y.

Returning a negative number will place x before y.

Returning zero will keep them in their original order.

Step 2: Implement the Sorting Logic

Here is how you can implement the arraySorter function using the sort() method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the Code

arraySorter is a function that takes an array of objects (arr) as input.

The sort() method is called on the array, with a custom sort function as its argument that sorts based on property b.

The subtraction (x.b - y.b) allows for sorting in ascending order.

Example Outputs

After we define our function, we can test it with various inputs:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Sorting arrays of objects in JavaScript can be accomplished efficiently using the sort() method coupled with a custom comparison function. This is an essential skill that will serve you well, both in coding challenges and real-world projects.

Whether you're beginning your journey in JavaScript or looking to refine your skills, understanding how to sort data effectively can open up a world of possibilities. Happy coding!