How can I sort an array in javascript without modifying it? -

array.sort() in javascript modifies underlying array:

> = [5,1,3] [ 5, 1, 3 ] > a.sort() [ 1, 3, 5 ] > [ 1, 3, 5 ] >  

is there anyway sort array not in place, sorted version returned copy. this?

> = [5,1,3] [ 5, 1, 3 ] > b = a.some_function() [ 1, 3, 5 ] > [ 5, 1, 3 ] > b [ 1, 3, 5 ] 

not without writing own function it. can, of course, clone , then sort:

var b = a.slice(0).sort(); 

example:

var = [5,1,3];  var b = a.slice(0).sort();  snippet.log("a: " + json.stringify(a));  snippet.log("b: " + json.stringify(b));

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