Objective-c Sorting NSArray with alphanumeric strings in correct order [duplicate]

Question

I have an array of strings that contain numbers i.e. Shift 1 RT9909 I sort the array as follows:

NSSet *forms = dataObject.rtForms;

NSSortDescriptor *nameDescriptor = [NSSortDescriptor sortDescriptorWithKey:@"type" ascending:YES];
NSArray *sorted = [forms sortedArrayUsingDescriptors:[NSArray arrayWithObject:nameDescriptor]];

This works fine while the number of elements is under 10. After this point Shift 10 RT9909 is placed in front Shift 2 RT9909.

So my question is how can I sort the array so that Shift 10 RT9909 would follow Shift 9 RT9909

You will have to parse the string into values and sort by those values. There is no way around it. Or add leading zeros to your strings. — Sulthan
– Sulthan, Commented Mar 29, 2017 at 14:34
NSArray *sorted = [forms sortedArrayUsingComparator:^NSComparisonResult(rtFormClass _Nonnull form1, rtFormClass * _Nonnull form2) { return [form1.type compare:form2.type options:NSNumericSearch];? Use NSNumericSearch to compare. — Larme
– Larme, Commented Mar 29, 2017 at 14:38

Nirav D · Accepted Answer · 2017-03-29 14:43:45Z

3

As Larme suggested you need to use Comparator with NSNumericSearch, you can also combined with NSSortDescriptor

NSSortDescriptor *nameDescriptor = [NSSortDescriptor sortDescriptorWithKey:@"type" ascending:YES comparator:^NSComparisonResult(id obj1, id obj2) {
    return [(NSString *)obj1 compare:(NSString *)obj2 options:NSNumericSearch];
}];
NSArray *sortedArray = [anArray sortedArrayUsingDescriptors:[NSArray arrayWithObject:nameDescriptor]];

answered Mar 29, 2017 at 14:43

Nirav D

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2 Comments

jampez77 Over a year ago

Perfect, works a treat. Thank you

Nirav D Over a year ago

@jampez77 Welcome mate :)

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