# JS Tosorted Immutable

> Use toSorted() instead of sort() to avoid mutating arrays. Apply when sorting arrays that are React props, state, or otherwise shared/referenced elsewhere. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/js-tosorted-immutable` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/js-tosorted-immutable`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/js-tosorted-immutable/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Web & Frontend
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/js-tosorted-immutable

---


## Use toSorted() Instead of sort() for Immutability

`.sort()` mutates the array in place, which can cause bugs with React Use `.toSorted()` to create a new sorted array without state and props. mutation.

**Incorrect (mutates original array):**

```typescript
function UserList({ users }: { users: User[] }) {
  // Mutates the users prop array!
  const sorted = useMemo(
    () => users.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)),
    [users]
  )
  return <div>{sorted.map(renderUser)}</div>
}
```

**Correct (creates new array):**

```typescript
function UserList({ users }: { users: User[] }) {
  // Creates new sorted array, original unchanged
  const sorted = useMemo(
    () => users.toSorted((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)),
    [users]
  )
  return <div>{sorted.map(renderUser)}</div>
}
```

**Why this matters in React:**

1. Props/state mutations break React's immutability model - React expects props and state to be treated as read-only
2. Causes stale closure bugs - Mutating arrays inside closures (callbacks, effects) can lead to unexpected behavior

**Browser support (fallback for older browsers):**

`.toSorted()` is available in all modern browsers (Chrome 110+, Safari 16+, Firefox 115+, Node.js 20+). For older environments, use spread operator:

```typescript
// Fallback for older browsers
const sorted = [...items].sort((a, b) => a.value - b.value)
```

**Other immutable array methods:**

- `.toSorted()` - immutable sort
- `.toReversed()` - immutable reverse
- `.toSpliced()` - immutable splice
- `.with()` - immutable element replacement

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->