sort -S 2G $unique #for $key in $sortkeys '-k ${key.column},${key.column}${key.order}${key.style}' #end for $input > $out_file1 No Yes Descending order Ascending order Fast numeric sort ([-n]) General numeric sort ( scientific notation [-g]) Natural/Version sort ([-V]) Alphabetical sort

**What it does** This tool runs the unix **sort** command on the selected data file. ----- **Sorting Styles** * **Fast Numeric**: sort by numeric values. Handles integer values (e.g. 43, 134) and decimal-point values (e.g. 3.14). *Does not* handle scientific notation (e.g. -2.32e2). * **General Numeric**: sort by numeric values. Handles all numeric notations (including scientific notation). Slower than *fast numeric*, so use only when necessary. * **Natural Sort**: Sort in 'natural' order (natural to humans, not to computers). See example below. * **Alphabetical sort**: Sort in strict alphabetical order. See example below. **Sorting Examples** Given the following list:: chr4 chr13 chr1 chr10 chr20 chr2 **Alphabetical sort** would produce the following sorted list:: chr1 chr10 chr13 chr2 chr20 chr4 **Natural Sort** would produce the following sorted list:: chr1 chr2 chr4 chr10 chr13 chr20 .. class:: infomark If you're planning to use the file with another tool that expected sorted files (such as *join*), you should use the **Alphabetical sort**, not the **Natural Sort**. Natural sort order is easier for humans, but is unnatural for computer programs.