JavaScript - Sort a String Alphabetically using a Function

Here are the various methods to sort a string alphabetically using a function in JavaScript.

1. Using split(), sort(), and join() Methods

This is the most basic and commonly used method to sort a string alphabetically. The string is first converted into an array of characters, sorted, and then joined back into a string.

const s = "javascript";
const sorted = s.split("").sort().join("");

console.log(sorted); 

aacijprstv

• split(""): Converts the string into an array of characters.
• sort(): Sorts the array alphabetically.
• join(""): Combines the sorted array back into a string.

2. Using Spread Operator and localeCompare() Method

The spread operator can be used to split the string, and localeCompare() provides a locale-aware sorting method.

const s = "javascript";
const sorted = [...s].sort((a, b) => a.localeCompare(b)).join("");

console.log(sorted); 

aacijprstv

This approach is helpful if locale-aware comparisons are needed (e.g., for accented characters).

3. Using Lodash _.sortBy() Method

If Lodash is available in your project, its _.sortBy() method can be used to sort the string easily.

const _ = require("lodash"); // Assuming Lodash is installed
const s = "javascript";
const sorted = _.sortBy(s).join("");

console.log(sorted); 

Output

aacijprstv

Lodash simplifies sorting with a utility method but is an external dependency, so it’s not always suitable for lightweight projects.

4. Using reduce() Method

The reduce() method can be used to create a sorted string by inserting characters into a sorted array during iteration.

function sort(word) {
    return word.split("").reduce((sorted, char) => {
        let index = sorted.findIndex(c => c > char);
        if (index === -1) {
            sorted.push(char);
        } else {
            sorted.splice(index, 0, char);
        }
        return sorted;
    }, []).join("");
}

let s = "javascript";
console.log(sort(s));

aacijprstv

This approach gives you full control over the sorting process but is less concise than sort().

5. Using map() with Custom Sorting

You can use map() with a custom sorting function for additional logic, but it’s less common for basic alphabetical sorting.

const s = "javascript";
const sorted = s.split("").map((char) => char).sort().join("");

console.log(sorted); 

aacijprstv

This method is more useful when you need to transform or process characters during sorting.

Which Approach Should You Use?

The split() + sort() + join() method is the most widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Other methods are situational, depending on the project’s requirements and complexity.