SORT VARIABLES BY multiple attributes. Is SPSS's sort algorithm stable?

[Art Kendall]

It *appears* that this works.  It is possible that SPSS uses a sort algorithm
that is "stable".  

sort variables by ATTRIBUTE Var.Grouping.
sort variables by ATTRIBUTE MR.Set.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Stable_sorts

It is possible that SPSS uses a sort algorithm that is "stable".  
Can I* rely on* using several  SORT VARIABLES command to give me the same
thing as if SORT VARIABLES allowed specifying more than one attribute?



-----
Art Kendall
Social Research Consultants
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[Jon Peck]

Yes, the SORT algorithm is stable.

On Mon, Oct 5, 2020 at 2:06 PM Art Kendall <[hidden email]> wrote:

It *appears* that this works.  It is possible that SPSS uses a sort algorithm
that is "stable". 

sort variables by ATTRIBUTE Var.Grouping.
sort variables by ATTRIBUTE MR.Set.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Stable_sorts

It is possible that SPSS uses a sort algorithm that is "stable". 
Can I* rely on* using several  SORT VARIABLES command to give me the same
thing as if SORT VARIABLES allowed specifying more than one attribute?



-----
Art Kendall
Social Research Consultants
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[Art Kendall]

Thanks.

I thought I had a workaround but was unsure.



-----
Art Kendall
Social Research Consultants
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