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sort

sort definition - computer

To reorder data into a new sequence. The operating system can typically sort file names and text lists. Word processors typically allow lines of text to be reordered, and database programs sort records by one or more fields, often generating a new file. See sorter, counting sort, bubble sort, quick sort and selection sort.

An Early Sorting Machine

This is a sorter from the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company in 1917. Punch cards were placed into the hopper and sorted into the respective stackers based on the content of one card column. A 10-digit account number required sorting the cards 10 times. This would have been a great year to buy stock in the company. In 1924, it became IBM. (Image courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation. Unauthorized use not permitted.)

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