lodash vs underscore vs natural-orderby vs sort-by
Sorting and Ordering Utilities Comparison
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What's Sorting and Ordering Utilities?

Sorting and ordering utilities in JavaScript help developers arrange data in a specific sequence, whether it’s ascending, descending, or based on custom criteria. These utilities are essential for tasks like organizing lists, tables, or any collection of items. They provide functions to sort arrays, objects, or other data structures based on one or more keys, values, or complex algorithms. Libraries like lodash, underscore, and natural-orderby offer robust sorting capabilities, each with unique features and performance characteristics. These tools enhance data manipulation, improve user interfaces, and streamline tasks that require ordered data.

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lodash67,292,15760,318-964 years agoMIT
underscore14,151,72327,383906 kB529 months agoMIT
natural-orderby2,033,4676272.5 kB165 months agoMIT
sort-by65,589225-12-MIT
Feature Comparison: lodash vs underscore vs natural-orderby vs sort-by

Size and Performance

  • lodash:

    lodash is a larger library compared to others, but it is highly optimized for performance. It provides a wide range of functions, including sorting, which are implemented with efficiency in mind. The trade-off in size is often worth it for the extensive functionality and performance gains in complex operations.

  • underscore:

    underscore is similar in size to lodash, but it offers fewer features overall. It is well-optimized for the functions it provides, including sorting. While it may not be as fast as lodash for all operations, it is still efficient and suitable for most use cases, especially in smaller projects.

  • natural-orderby:

    natural-orderby is a small and focused library specifically designed for natural sorting. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for projects where only natural ordering is needed, without the overhead of a larger utility library. This makes it highly efficient for sorting tasks that require minimal resources.

  • sort-by:

    sort-by is a minimalistic library that provides a simple API for sorting. Its small size and straightforward implementation make it fast and efficient for sorting tasks, especially when you need to sort by one or two keys without any complex logic.

Sorting Algorithm

  • lodash:

    lodash uses a stable sorting algorithm for its sorting functions, which ensures that elements with the same value retain their original order. This is particularly important for multi-key sorting, where maintaining the relative order of equal elements is desired. The stability of the algorithm enhances the reliability of sorting operations, making lodash a robust choice for complex data structures.

  • underscore:

    underscore also uses a stable sorting algorithm for its sorting functions, similar to lodash. This ensures that the order of equal elements is preserved, making it reliable for both single-key and multi-key sorting. The stability of the algorithm, combined with underscore's functional programming approach, makes it a solid choice for projects that require predictable and consistent sorting behavior.

  • natural-orderby:

    natural-orderby implements a natural sorting algorithm that sorts strings in a way that is intuitive to humans, especially when dealing with mixed content (e.g., file2, file10, file1). This type of sorting is particularly useful in applications where the order of items needs to reflect natural language conventions, making it ideal for user interfaces that display lists of files, names, or other mixed-content data.

  • sort-by:

    sort-by uses a simple comparison-based sorting algorithm, which is efficient for sorting arrays by one or more keys. However, it does not guarantee stability, meaning that the relative order of equal elements may not be preserved. This makes it suitable for straightforward sorting tasks, but it may not be ideal for scenarios where stable sorting is required.

Ease of Use: Code Examples

  • lodash:

    Sorting with lodash

    const _ = require('lodash');

const items = [
  { name: 'apple', value: 10 },
  { name: 'banana', value: 5 },
  { name: 'cherry', value: 15 },
];

// Sort by value
const sortedByValue = _.sortBy(items, 'value');
console.log(sortedByValue);

// Sort by name
const sortedByName = _.sortBy(items, 'name');
console.log(sortedByName);
  • underscore:

    Sorting with underscore

    const _ = require('underscore');

const items = [
  { name: 'apple', value: 10 },
  { name: 'banana', value: 5 },
  { name: 'cherry', value: 15 },
];

// Sort by value
const sortedByValue = _.sortBy(items, 'value');
console.log(sortedByValue);

// Sort by name
const sortedByName = _.sortBy(items, 'name');
console.log(sortedByName);
  • natural-orderby:

    Natural Sorting with natural-orderby

    const naturalOrderBy = require('natural-orderby');

const items = [
  'file10',
  'file2',
  'file1',
  'file20',
  'file11',
];

// Sort using natural order
const sortedNaturally = items.sort(naturalOrderBy);
console.log(sortedNaturally);
  • sort-by:

    Sorting with sort-by

    const sortBy = require('sort-by');

const items = [
  { name: 'apple', value: 10 },
  { name: 'banana', value: 5 },
  { name: 'cherry', value: 15 },
];

// Sort by value
const sortedByValue = items.sort(sortBy('value'));
console.log(sortedByValue);

// Sort by name
const sortedByName = items.sort(sortBy('name'));
console.log(sortedByName);
How to Choose: lodash vs underscore vs natural-orderby vs sort-by
  • lodash:

    Choose lodash if you need a comprehensive utility library that offers a wide range of functions, including advanced sorting capabilities. It’s ideal for projects that require not only sorting but also other utility functions, all while maintaining performance and modularity.

  • underscore:

    Opt for underscore if you prefer a library that provides a solid set of utility functions, including sorting, with a functional programming approach. It’s a good choice for projects that value simplicity and readability, though it may not be as feature-rich as lodash.

  • natural-orderby:

    Select natural-orderby if you need to sort data in a way that respects natural ordering, especially for strings with mixed content (e.g., numbers and letters). It’s perfect for applications where human-friendly sorting is essential, such as file explorers or user interfaces that display lists.

  • sort-by:

    Use sort-by if you want a lightweight and straightforward solution for sorting arrays by one or more keys. It’s easy to use and integrates well into projects that need simple sorting without the overhead of a larger library.

Similar Npm Packages to lodash

lodash is a widely-used utility library in JavaScript that provides a plethora of functions for common programming tasks, such as manipulating arrays, objects, and strings. It simplifies complex tasks and enhances productivity by offering a consistent and performant API. While lodash is a powerful tool for developers, there are several alternatives that also provide utility functions and functional programming capabilities. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • immutable is a library that provides immutable data structures for JavaScript. It allows developers to work with data in a way that prevents unintended mutations, making it easier to manage state in applications, especially in React. Immutable.js offers persistent data structures that are efficient and can help improve performance in applications that require frequent updates to state. If you are looking for a way to ensure immutability in your data handling, immutable is a strong choice.

  • ramda is a functional programming library for JavaScript that emphasizes a functional programming style. Unlike lodash, which is more focused on utility functions, ramda provides a suite of functions designed to work with functional programming paradigms, such as currying and composition. Ramda's approach allows for more declarative code and can lead to cleaner and more maintainable applications. If you prefer a functional programming style and want to leverage powerful functional utilities, ramda is an excellent alternative.

  • underscore is another utility library that provides a similar set of functions to lodash. It was one of the first utility libraries in JavaScript and laid the groundwork for many of the features that lodash later adopted. While lodash has since become more popular due to its performance optimizations and additional features, underscore remains a solid choice for developers who need basic utility functions without the overhead of a larger library. If you are looking for a lightweight alternative that covers the essentials, underscore may be suitable.

For a detailed comparison of these libraries, check out the following link: Comparing immutable vs lodash vs ramda vs underscore.

Similar Npm Packages to underscore

underscore is a popular JavaScript utility library that provides a wide range of functions for common programming tasks, including manipulating arrays, objects, and functions. It serves as a foundation for many other libraries and frameworks, offering a functional programming approach to JavaScript development. While underscore is widely used, there are several alternatives that provide similar or enhanced functionality. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • immutable is a library designed to create immutable data structures in JavaScript. It provides persistent data structures that enable developers to manage state without mutating the original data. This is particularly useful in functional programming and React applications, where immutability can lead to easier state management and improved performance. If your application requires a focus on immutability and you want to avoid side effects from data mutations, immutable is a strong choice.
  • lodash is a modern utility library that builds upon the concepts introduced by underscore, offering a more extensive set of functions and improved performance. It provides a rich set of methods for manipulating arrays, objects, strings, and more, while also supporting chaining and lazy evaluation. If you are looking for a comprehensive utility library with a large community and extensive documentation, lodash is an excellent alternative to underscore.
  • ramda is a functional programming library for JavaScript that emphasizes a point-free style and immutability. It provides a wide range of utility functions that are designed to work seamlessly with functional programming paradigms. If you prefer a more functional approach to programming and want to leverage currying and composition, ramda is a great choice for enhancing your JavaScript code.

To see how underscore compares with immutable, lodash, and ramda, check out the comparison: Comparing immutable vs lodash vs ramda vs underscore.

Similar Npm Packages to natural-orderby

natural-orderby is a JavaScript library that provides a natural sorting algorithm for arrays of strings and numbers. It allows developers to sort data in a way that is more intuitive for human readers, taking into account the natural order of numbers and strings. This is particularly useful when dealing with lists that contain mixed types of data, such as filenames or version numbers, where traditional sorting methods may not yield the desired results. By using natural-orderby, developers can ensure that their data is presented in a more user-friendly manner.

While natural-orderby is a great tool for natural sorting, there are several alternatives that also provide sorting functionalities. Here are a few notable ones:

  • lodash is a widely-used utility library that offers a variety of functions for manipulating arrays, objects, and other data types. Among its many features, lodash includes sorting functions that can handle complex sorting scenarios. With its powerful chaining capabilities and extensive documentation, lodash is an excellent choice for developers looking for a comprehensive utility library that includes sorting as one of its many features.

  • sort-by is a lightweight library specifically designed for sorting arrays of objects based on specified properties. It allows developers to easily sort data using a simple and intuitive syntax. While it may not offer the same breadth of functionality as lodash, sort-by is focused on providing a straightforward solution for sorting, making it a good choice for projects that require a minimalistic approach.

  • underscore is another utility library that provides a range of functions for working with arrays, objects, and functions. Similar to lodash, underscore includes sorting capabilities, allowing developers to sort collections based on various criteria. While it has a smaller footprint compared to lodash, underscore is still a solid option for developers who prefer its functional programming style.

To see how natural-orderby compares with lodash, sort-by, and underscore, check out the comparison: Comparing lodash vs natural-orderby vs sort-by vs underscore.

README for lodash

lodash v4.17.21

The Lodash library exported as Node.js modules.

Installation

Using npm:

$ npm i -g npm
$ npm i --save lodash

In Node.js:

// Load the full build.
var _ = require('lodash');
// Load the core build.
var _ = require('lodash/core');
// Load the FP build for immutable auto-curried iteratee-first data-last methods.
var fp = require('lodash/fp');

// Load method categories.
var array = require('lodash/array');
var object = require('lodash/fp/object');

// Cherry-pick methods for smaller browserify/rollup/webpack bundles.
var at = require('lodash/at');
var curryN = require('lodash/fp/curryN');

See the package source for more details.

Note:
Install n_ for Lodash use in the Node.js < 6 REPL.

Support

Tested in Chrome 74-75, Firefox 66-67, IE 11, Edge 18, Safari 11-12, & Node.js 8-12.
Automated browser & CI test runs are available.

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