# Compare two arrays regardless of order

Compare the sorted sets of distinct values.

Canonical: https://1loc.dev/array/compare-two-arrays-regardless-of-order/
Version: 1.0.0
Runtime: JavaScript · Node.js 22 / modern browsers
Verification: Local fixtures; no external services
Updated: 2026-10-28

## Implementation

```javascript
function isEqualIgnoringOrder({ a, b }) { const normalize = values => JSON.stringify([...new Set(values)].sort()); return normalize(a) === normalize(b); }
```

## Input

```json
{
  "a": [
    "rui@example.com",
    "ana@example.com"
  ],
  "b": [
    "ana@example.com",
    "rui@example.com"
  ]
}
```

## Expected output

```json
true
```

## Edge case

Input:
```json
{
  "a": [
    1,
    1,
    2
  ],
  "b": [
    2,
    1
  ]
}
```
Output:
```json
true
```

## Limits

- Duplicates are ignored, as the edge case shows; compare counts when multiplicity matters.
- Default sort converts to strings: 10 sorts before 9, which is fine for equality.

The lab validates types and size before calling this function. Add equivalent validation at your own trust boundary.

## Source and license

Original: https://github.com/phuocng/1loc/blob/14b481cf60dff1620ab1bb99a43b1f68068cdd9b/contents/compare-two-arrays-regardless-of-order.mdx
Author: Nguyen Huu Phuoc and original contributors
Contributors: robinpokorny, dauom, elkarouani
Source commit: 14b481cf60dff1620ab1bb99a43b1f68068cdd9b
Copyright (c) 2020 phuoc-ng
License: MIT — https://1loc.dev/licenses/
Maintainer: Oveyon
Modifications: Curated implementation; explicit input contract, edge case and limits. Original MDX retained as inert source evidence.