Search code examples
javascriptperformancetyped-arrays

How to sort typed arrays in javascript?

For example I have typed array like this:

var a = new Int32Array([3,8,6,1,6,9]);

When I try to call a.sort(), it doesn't work.

What is the best way to sort typed arrays? What about performance, can we sort typed arrays faster than regular arrays?

Solution

  • JavaScript array methods are defined in such a way that they are applicable to any array-like object, not only to actual instances of Array. So you can use:

    Array.prototype.sort.call(a, function(a, b) { return a - b; });

    The custom callback is necessary because JS sorts the values lexicographically by default. See also How to sort an array of integers correctly.