What defines a sorting algorithm?

A sorting algorithm is specifically defined as a procedure for arranging elements in a specific order. This is the fundamental characteristic of sorting algorithms, as they take a collection of elements—whether they are numbers, strings, or other data types—and organize them according to a well-defined criteria, usually based on ascending or descending order.

Sorting algorithms enable efficient data organization, which is essential for searching and data retrieval operations. They can handle various data types and are commonly employed in applications ranging from databases to user interfaces.

While grouping elements by size might sound relevant, it does not encompass the broader function of arranging elements based on various sorting criteria. Techniques that involve deleting elements do not fall within the scope of sorting algorithms, as they focus on reordering rather than managing quantity. Additionally, sorting algorithms are not limited to integer values, as they can sort any comparable data type, including strings and floating-point numbers.