SortedIterables

SortedIterables is a Python library that provides tools for working with iterables in a sorted manner. It extends the functionality of standard Python iterators by adding methods for common sorting and searching operations without requiring the entire iterable to be loaded into memory at once. This makes it particularly useful for handling large datasets or streams of data.

The core concept behind SortedIterables is that it operates on iterables where elements are either already sorted or can be sorted on demand. This allows for efficient merging of multiple sorted iterables, finding elements using binary search, and performing other operations that typically require a fully sorted sequence. The library aims to maintain the lazy evaluation characteristics of iterators, processing elements as they are requested rather than pre-sorting the entire collection.

Key features of SortedIterables include functions for merging sorted iterators, finding the k-th smallest element, and performing searches within sorted streams. These operations are designed to be memory-efficient, making them suitable for scenarios where memory is a constraint. The library's design emphasizes composability, allowing users to chain operations to build complex data processing pipelines. SortedIterables is a valuable addition to the Python ecosystem for anyone dealing with sorted or sortable data streams.