SORTER

A sorter is a device or software that arranges items according to predefined criteria. In physical contexts, sorters separate physical items by attributes such as material, size, weight, or destination; in computing, sorting refers to arranging data elements according to a key or comparator.

Mechanical sorters include conveyors, chutes, tilt-tray, diverters, and sensors that detect attributes and divert items to different paths. Technologies include optical sensors, cameras, laser scanners; magnetic separators for ferrous metal; air jets to push items. They are used in manufacturing, packaging, recycling, and mail sorting.

In data processing, a sorter is an algorithm or function that rearranges elements of a list or dataset into nondecreasing or nonincreasing order. Common algorithms include quicksort, mergesort, heapsort, and insertion sort. Sorts can be stable or unstable, in-place or not, and have different time and space complexities. Sorting is a fundamental operation in databases, search, and data analysis, often implemented as the ORDER BY operation or through library sorting routines.

Historical context and relevance: Sorting has been used for centuries in baskets and markets, evolving into modern automated lines and software tools. The term sorter also appears in specialized domains such as baggage handling, mailrooms, and recycling facilities for efficiency and accuracy.