Help with Sorting

[buran]

you need to understand the difference between sorted() function and sort() method, e.g. list.sort() method

sorted() built-in function takes iterable and will return it sorted, i.e. you need to assign what it returns to a variable in order to use it later. it can be the same, e.g.

>>> a = [3, 1, 4, 2]
>>> a = sorted(a)
>>> a
[1, 2, 3, 4]

one possible use is to itreate over sorted iterable, without changing the original one

>>> a = [3, 4, 1, 2]
>>> for item in sorted(a):
...    print(item)
... 
1
2
3
4
>>> a
[3, 4, 1, 2]

while sort() method will sort the iterable in place, e.g.

>>> a = [3, 1, 4, 2]
>>> a.sort()
>>> a
[1, 2, 3, 4]