Ordering string in an array according to a number in the string JavaScript

We have an array of strings each of which contain one or more numbers like this ?

const arr = ['di5aster', 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'ho2me3', 'ca11ing'];

We are required to write a sorting function that sorts this array in ascending order of the numbers present in the strings. The correct order will be ?

const output = [ 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'di5aster', 'ca11ing', 'ho2me3' ];

Therefore, let's write the code for this problem ?

Understanding the Problem

Each string contains embedded numbers. We need to extract these numbers and sort the array based on their numerical value:

• 'ca1amity' ? 1
• 'cod3' ? 3
• 'di5aster' ? 5
• 'ca11ing' ? 11
• 'ho2me3' ? 23 (concatenated digits)

Solution Using Custom Sort Function

const arr = ['di5aster', 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'ho2me3', 'ca11ing'];

const filterNumber = str => {
    return +str
        .split("")
        .filter(el => el.charCodeAt() >= 48 && el.charCodeAt() <= 57)
        .join("");
};

const sorter = (a, b) => {
    return filterNumber(a) - filterNumber(b);
};

arr.sort(sorter);
console.log(arr);

[ 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'di5aster', 'ca11ing', 'ho2me3' ]

How It Works

The filterNumber function extracts digits from each string:

1. split("") - Converts string to character array
2. filter() - Keeps only digits (ASCII codes 48-57)
3. join("") - Combines digits into a string
4. + operator converts the result to a number

Alternative Approach Using Regular Expressions

const arr = ['di5aster', 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'ho2me3', 'ca11ing'];

const extractNumber = str => {
    return parseInt(str.replace(/\D/g, ''), 10);
};

arr.sort((a, b) => extractNumber(a) - extractNumber(b));
console.log(arr);

[ 'ca1amity', 'cod3', 'di5aster', 'ca11ing', 'ho2me3' ]

Comparison

Conclusion

Both approaches effectively sort strings by their embedded numbers. The regular expression method is more readable, while the character code approach offers slightly better performance for large datasets.