Re: sort an array with +ve & -ve numbers in it

The default sort criteria sorts lexically (alphabetically). You need to specify your own sort criteria.

my @sorted = sort { $a <=> $b } @numbers;
my $min = $sorted[0];
my $max = $sorted[-1];
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Re^2: sort an array with +ve & -ve numbers in it by missingthepoint (Friar) on Apr 04, 2009 at 05:08 UTC
An exposition of ikegami's reply (beginners in mind): `my @sorted = sort { $a <=> $b } @numbers;` Calls sort on `@numbers`, storing returned list in `@sorted`. Passes sort a code block to use as a comparison function (used to determine whether to swap two elements). `$a` and `$b` can be used within the code block to reference the elements being compared. To reverse the sort order, reverse `$a` and `$b` in the code block: `sort { $b <=> $a } @numbers` `my $min = $sorted[0];` `sort { $a <=> $b }` will sort the numbers in ascending order, so the first element of the resultant array is the minimum. `my $max = $sorted[-1];` An index of `-1` refers to the last element, which is of course the maximum. `undef $lunches{free}`	[reply] [d/l] [select]

Replies are listed 'Best First'.

An exposition of ikegami's reply (beginners in mind):

my @sorted = sort { $a <=> $b } @numbers;
Calls sort on @numbers, storing returned list in @sorted. Passes sort a code block to use as a comparison function (used to determine whether to swap two elements). $a and $b can be used within the code block to reference the elements being compared. To reverse the sort order, reverse $a and $b in the code block:
sort { $b <=> $a } @numbers
my $min = $sorted[0];
sort { $a <=> $b } will sort the numbers in ascending order, so the first element of the resultant array is the minimum.
my $max = $sorted[-1];
An index of -1 refers to the last element, which is of course the maximum.

undef $lunches{free}