Sorting of data on an electronic computer

Abstract

Many methods of sorting can be used in an electronic universal digital computer. Different sorting problems require different processes, not only for efficiency of sorting, but also to preserve such order as already exists in the data. The sorting methods known to the author are described in the paper, and their effectiveness is evaluated in various types of sorting problem.Since the possibility of using many different methods of sorting arose only recently, with the advent of the electronic computer, there is no generally accepted precise terminology. An attempt is made in the paper to introduce new terms where they are needed.The sorting methods described employ a digital computer with magnetic-tape external storage, and attention is given to the organization of transfers between the computer and the tapes, and the management of tape-reel changes.