Sort an array of objects by property in JavaScript

Sorting an array of objects by a string property value in JavaScript can be accomplished in several ways, each with its own use cases and nuances. Below are some of the most common methods, including using the Array.prototype.sort(), Array.prototype.sort() with localeCompare(), and using libraries like Lodash if you’re working in an environment where external libraries are acceptable.

1. Using Array.prototype.sort()

The sort() method sorts the elements of an array in place and returns the array. The default sort order is according to string Unicode code points. Therefore, when sorting by a string property, it works well for simple cases.

const array = [
  {name: 'John', age: 25},
  {name: 'Alice', age: 30},
  {name: 'Bob', age: 20}
];

array.sort((a, b) => {
  if (a.name < b.name) return -1;
  if (a.name > b.name) return 1;
  return 0;
});

console.log(array);

2. Using Array.prototype.sort() with localeCompare()

This method is particularly useful when you need to sort strings that include special characters or are case-insensitive, or when you need to sort in a specific locale.

const array = [
  {name: 'John', age: 25},
  {name: 'Alice', age: 30},
  {name: 'Bob', age: 20}
];

array.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name));

console.log(array);

3. Using Arrow Functions for Simplicity

If you prefer more concise code, you can use arrow functions, especially when sorting by a single property in ascending order.

const array = [
  {name: 'John', age: 25},
  {name: 'Alice', age: 30},
  {name: 'Bob', age: 20}
];

array.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name));

console.log(array);

Or, if you want it even more concise but still readable:

array.sort(({name: a}, {name: b}) => a.localeCompare(b));

4. Using Lodash

If you’re working in an environment where Lodash is available, you can use its sortBy function for sorting.

const _ = require('lodash');

const array = [
  {name: 'John', age: 25},
  {name: 'Alice', age: 30},
  {name: 'Bob', age: 20}
];

const sortedArray = _.sortBy(array, 'name');

console.log(sortedArray);