sort function. Collection.(Power Automate Cloud flows)
Function to sort array contents in ascending order.
If you want to sort in descending order, use the reverse function together.
Spec
sort(<collection>,<sortBy>)
| Argument | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| collection | Required field | Target arrray. |
| sortBy | Required for arrays with multiple columns. Not required for single column. | For arrays with multiple columns, Specify the column on which to base the sorting. |
How to use
In many cases, it is used to initialize or set variables of type "Array".
Clicking on sort in the "Expression" tab sets the function name and () in the formula field.
If you see something like the following, your settings are complete.
You can change the contents of the function by clicking on the purple icon.
When dynamic content or variables are used in expressions, special specifications are required.
(How to get dynamic content with expressions.)
Examples of arguments and results
An array with a single column.
For example, prepare the following array.
The variable name is "srcArray".
[5,2,1,3,4]
The following expression will result in an array sorted in ascending order.
sort( variables('srcArray') )
Array with multiple columns.
If there are multiple columns, you need to specify the reference column for sorting by "sortBy".
As an example, the following JSON is used to create an array.
[
{ "Number": 1, "Name": "Z", "Qty": 500 },
{ "Number": 2, "Name": "Y", "Qty": 300 },
{ "Number": 3, "Name": "Z", "Qty": 400 }
]
The array will have this structure.
| Number | Name | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Z | 500 |
| 2 | Y | 300 |
| 3 | X | 400 |
The "sortBy" field specifies the column name.
In this example, "Number," "Name," and "Qty" are the column names.
sort( variables('srcArray') ,'Qty')
When the expression is executed, it is sorted based on "Qty".
[
{"Number": 2,"Name": "Y","Qty": 300},
{"Number": 3,"Name": "Z","Qty": 400},
{"Number": 1,"Name": "Z","Qty": 500}
]| Number | Name | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Y | 300 |
| 3 | X | 400 |
| 1 | Z | 500 |
Sort in descending order.
When combined with the reverse function, it will sort in descending order.
For example, prepare the following array.
The variable name is "srcArray".
[5,2,1,3,4]
The following expression will result in an array sorted in descending order.
reverse( sort(variables('srcArray')) )
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