JavaScript's `array.sort()` method is incredibly useful, but did you know you can fine-tune its behavior with a custom compare function? By default, `sort()` treats array elements as strings, leading to unexpected results when sorting numbers. That's where the magic happens.
The compare function takes two arguments (a and b) and returns a value that indicates their relative order. A negative value means 'a' should come before 'b', a positive value means 'a' should come after 'b', and zero means they're equal.
For numerical sorting, a simple `(a, b) => a - b` does the trick! If you're dealing with more complex objects, extract the relevant properties for comparison. For example, to sort an array of objects by their 'age' property, use `(a, b) => a.age - b.age`.
Understanding the compare function unlocks the full potential of `array.sort()`, allowing you to sort arrays with precision and control. So, next time you need to sort beyond the basics, remember the power of the compare function!
