How to sort a set in JavaScript ?

In this article, we will see how to sort the Set according to the value of the elements. One way of achieving the target is to use the in-built sort() function. But, the sort() function can’t be directly implemented on set, rather:

• We will generate an array container using the elements stored in the set.
• Then, we will execute the sort() function on the array.
• We shall clear the entire set and store the elements stored in the newly sorted array.

As the set returns elements in the same order as inserted, the whole set will now be sorted.

Below are the approaches through which we can sort the set:

• By iterating over the set
• Using Array.from() method
• Using Spread Operator and set() Constructor

Approach 1. By iterating over the set.

In this approach, we will iterate over the set manually and insert elements of the set into a new array that is about to get sorted according to our needs.

Syntax:

# myset is the set under consideration for this article
let myarr = [];
    for (let element of myset) {
        // Set elements pushed into the array
        myarr.push(element);
    }
# myArray consists of the elements of the set
myArray.sort()

Example:

JavaScript

// Initialize a Set object
// using Set() constructor
let myset = new Set()

// Insert new elements in the
// set using add() method
myset.add(3);
myset.add(2);
myset.add(9);
myset.add(6);

// Print the values stored in set
console.log(myset);

// Create a new array to store set elements
let myarr = [];

for (let element of myset) {

    // Set elements pushed into the array
    myarr.push(element);
}

// Print the values stored in Array
console.log(myarr);

// Sort the array (default it will sort
// elements in ascending order)
myarr.sort()

// Clear the entire set using clear() method
myset.clear()

for (let element of myarr) {

    // Array elements pushed into the set
    myset.add(element);
}

// Print the values stored in set
console.log(myset);

Output

Set(4) { 3, 2, 9, 6 }
[ 3, 2, 9, 6 ]
Set(4) { 2, 3, 6, 9 }

Approach 2. Using Array.from() Method

One way of generating the array is to use the in-built Array.from() method which will create an array out of the elements of the set. To know more about the method, follow this link.

Syntax:

# myset is the set under consideration for this article
myArray = Array.from(myset)
myArray.sort()

Example: 

Javascript

// Initialize a Set object
// using Set() constructor
let myset = new Set()

// Insert new elements in the
// set using add() method
myset.add(3);
myset.add(2);
myset.add(9);
myset.add(6);

// Print the values stored in set
console.log(myset);

// Create a new array to store set elements
let myarr = [];

myArray = Array.from(myset)
myArray.sort()
console.log(myArray)
myset.clear()
myset = new Set(myArray);
console.log(myset)

Output

Set(4) { 3, 2, 9, 6 }
[ 2, 3, 6, 9 ]
Set(4) { 2, 3, 6, 9 }

Approach 3: Using Spread Operator and Sort Method

In this method, we will convert the set into an array using spread syntax, and then by using the sort function we sort the set.

Example:

Javascript

// Initialize a Set object
// using Set() constructor
let myset = new Set()

// Insert new elements in the
// set using add() method
myset.add(3);
myset.add(2);
myset.add(9);
myset.add(6);

// Print the values stored in set
console.log(myset);

const sortedArray = [...myset].sort();
const newSet = new Set(sortedArray);
console.log(newSet);

Output

Set(4) { 3, 2, 9, 6 }
Set(4) { 2, 3, 6, 9 }