Sort array with custom objects

Question

I'm trying to sort an array, filled with objects from a class i wrote. The class i wrote contains an NSString itself, as the "name". So what i wanna do, is to sort the array, based on the name property the objects contain. I tried the simple:

[anArray sortedArrayUsingSelecter: CaseInsensitiveCompare];

But as you can guess, it sends the caseInsensitiveCompare message to the objects itself, and it won't respond to that one.

So i'm guessing i have to make my objects able to respond to the caseInsensitiveCompare? Not quite sure how to write such a method, so any pointers would be lovely.

Thanks

Check out stackoverflow.com/questions/805547/…

Keith OYS
– Keith OYS

2014-06-04 04:51:26 +00:00
Commented Jun 4, 2014 at 4:51 — Keith OYS
– Keith OYS, Commented Jun 4, 2014 at 4:51

sch · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-24 15:12:21Z

10

You can use the method sortedArrayUsingComparator:

NSArray *sortedArray = [anArray sortedArrayUsingComparator:^(MyClass *a, MyClass *b) {
    return [a.name caseInsensitiveCompare:b.name];
}];

answered Mar 24, 2012 at 15:12

sch

27.5k3 gold badges72 silver badges84 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

Seerex Over a year ago

That worked great, thanks chap. What exactly does this do? or i don't have to worry about it? it's taking a block as an argument, right?

sch Over a year ago

Yes, it is using a block to sort the array.

goetz · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-24 15:08:55Z

1

You can sortedArrayUsingComparator:(NSComparator)cmptr (NSArray reference) to sort the array. For instance, if you want to sort by the name property, do the following (assuming your class is called Person):

NSArray *sortedArray = [anArray sortedArrayUsingComparator:^(id a, id b) {
    NSString *first = [(Person *)a name];
    NSString *second = [(Person *)b name];
    return [first caseInsensitiveCompare:second];
}];

answered Mar 24, 2012 at 15:08

goetz

9166 silver badges15 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Sort array with custom objects

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related