# Sort an array of items by given key

Return a copy sorted by one field, ascending.

Canonical: https://1loc.dev/array/sort-an-array-of-items-by-given-key/
Version: 1.0.0
Runtime: JavaScript · Node.js 22 / modern browsers
Verification: Local fixtures; no external services
Updated: 2026-10-28

## Implementation

```javascript
function sortBy({ values, key }) { return [...values].sort((a, b) => (a[key] > b[key] ? 1 : a[key] < b[key] ? -1 : 0)); }
```

## Input

```json
{
  "values": [
    {
      "status": "deferred"
    },
    {
      "status": "bounced"
    },
    {
      "status": "delivered"
    }
  ],
  "key": "status"
}
```

## Expected output

```json
[
  {
    "status": "bounced"
  },
  {
    "status": "deferred"
  },
  {
    "status": "delivered"
  }
]
```

## Edge case

Input:
```json
{
  "values": [],
  "key": "status"
}
```
Output:
```json
[]
```

## Limits

- Mixed types compare unpredictably; keep the field one type.
- Sorting is stable, so equal keys keep their order.

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/sort-an-array-of-items-by-given-key.mdx
Author: Nguyen Huu Phuoc and original contributors
Contributors: See original repository history
Source commit: 14b481cf60dff1620ab1bb99a43b1f68068cdd9b
Copyright (c) 2020 phuoc-ng
License: MIT — https://1loc.dev/licenses/
Maintainer: Oveyon
Modifications: Copies with spread instead of concat. Original MDX retained as inert source evidence.