Often you may want to import data files into PowerShell and then sort the rows based on a specific column.
Method 1: Sort by String Column
This particular example imports the file specified at the path in the $my_file object, then sorts the rows in ascending order (A to Z) based on the values in the team column.
Note: By default, the Sort-Object cmdlet sorts values in ascending order. To instead sort by values in descending order, simply add the -descending operator at the end of the line.
Method 2: Sort by Numeric Column
This particular example imports the file specified at the path in the $my_file object, then sorts the rows in ascending order (smallest to largest) based on the values in the points column.
Example 1: How to Sort by String Column in PowerShell
Suppose we use the Import-Csv cmdlet to view the contents of this entire file:
The file contains three columns that show the team, points and assists for various basketball players.
Suppose that we would like to sort the rows by the strings in the team column.
Notice that the rows are now sorted in order from A to Z based on the strings in the team column.
If you would instead like to sort from Z to A, simply add the -descending operator at the end of the line:
Notice that the rows are now sorted in order from Z to A based on the strings in the team column.
Example 2: How to Sort by Numeric Column in PowerShell
Suppose we use the Import-Csv cmdlet to view the contents of this entire file:
Suppose that we would like to sort the rows by the numeric values in the points column.
Notice that the rows are sorted in ascending order (smallest to largest) based on the value in the points column.
To instead sort the rows by the values in the points column in descending order (largest to smallest), simply add the -descending operator:
Notice that the rows are now sorted in descending order (largest to smallest) based on the value in the points column.
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