[Edit] Python: .sort() (#7448)

* [Edit] Python: .sort()

* updated faqs based on PAA

---------

Author: Sriparno08

content/python/concepts/lists/terms/sort/sort.md

@@ -1,49 +1,106 @@
 ---
 Title: '.sort()'
-Description: 'Sorts the contents of the list it is called on.'
+Description: 'Sorts the elements of a list in ascending or descending order.'
 Subjects:
-  - 'Data Science'
   - 'Computer Science'
+  - 'Data Science'
 Tags:
+  - 'Elements'
   - 'Lists'
   - 'Methods'
+  - 'Python'
 CatalogContent:
   - 'learn-python-3'
   - 'paths/data-science'
-  - 'paths/computer-science'
 ---
 
-The `.sort()` method sorts the contents of the list it is called on.
+The Python **`.sort()`** method is used to sort list elements in ascending or descending order. It modifies the original list instead of returning a new one, making it a fast and memory-efficient operation for in-place sorting.
+
+## Python `.sort()` Syntax
+
+```pseudo
+list.sort(key=None, reverse=False)
+```
+
+**Parameters:**
+
+- `key` (Optional): A [function](https://www.codecademy.com/resources/docs/python/functions) that acts as a sorting key.
+- `reverse` (Optional): A boolean value. If `True`, the list is sorted in descending order.
+
+**Return value:**
 
-## Syntax
+Returns `None` because the sorting happens in place.
+
+## Example 1: Sorting Numbers Using Python `.sort()`
+
+This example uses Python `.sort()` to sort the `numbers` list in ascending and descending order:
 
 ```py
-list.sort()
+numbers = [5, 2, 9, 1, 7]
+
+numbers.sort()
+print("Ascending:", numbers)
+
+numbers.sort(reverse=True)
+print("Descending:", numbers)
 ```
 
-Numerical lists will be sorted in ascending order, and lists of strings will be sorted into alphabetical order. It modifies the original list, and has no return value.
+Here is the output:
 
-## Example
+```shell
+Ascending: [1, 2, 5, 7, 9]
+Descending: [9, 7, 5, 2, 1]
+```
+
+## Example 2: Sorting Strings Using Python `.sort()`
 
-To sort a list called `exampleList`:
+This example uses Python `.sort()` to sort a list of [strings](https://www.codecademy.com/resources/docs/python/strings) in alphabetical order:
 
-```python
-name = ['c', 'h', 'l', 'o', 'e']
+```py
+fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry", "date"]
 
-name.sort()
+fruits.sort()
 
-print(name)
-# Output: ['c', 'e', 'h', 'l', 'o']
+print(fruits)
 ```
 
-## Codebyte Example
+Here is the output:
 
-To sort a list called `exampleList`:
+```shell
+['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date']
+```
+
+## Codebyte Example: Using Python `.sort()` with a Custom Key
+
+This codebyte example uses Python `.sort()` with a custom key to sort a list of strings. The `key` parameter is set to `len`, so the list is sorted by word length instead of alphabetical order:
 
 ```codebyte/python
-exampleList = [4, 2, 1, 3]
+words = ["Python", "is", "amazing", "AI"]
 
-exampleList.sort()
+words.sort(key=len)
 
-print(exampleList)
+print(words)
 ```
+
+## Frequently Asked Questions
+
+### 1. What does `list.sort()` return in Python?
+
+The `list.sort()` method returns `None` because it sorts the list **in place**, modifying the original list rather than creating a new one.
+
+### 2. Why is `sort()` returning `None`?
+
+`sort()` always returns `None` to signal that the original list has been modified directly. If you need a new sorted list without changing the original, use the `sorted()` function instead.
+
+### 3. When you use `sort()` does it permanently change the list?
+
+Yes, `sort()` permanently changes the order of elements in the list. The original order is lost unless you make a copy before sorting.
+
+### 4. How to sort a list without using the `sort()` function?
+
+You can use the built-in `sorted()` function to return a new sorted list, or implement custom sorting logic such as bubble sort, selection sort, or quicksort.
+
+### 5. What is the difference between the `sort()` method and the `sorted()` function?
+
+- `sort()` is a method available only to lists, sorts in place, and returns `None`.
+- `sorted()` is a built-in function that works with any iterable, returns a new sorted list, and leaves the original data unchanged.