What is the purpose of the sort() method in Python?

• A. To reverse the order of list items
• B. To arrange data in a specified order
• C. To duplicate the list
• D. To filter out certain elements

Answer: (B)

The sort() method in Python is specifically designed to arrange the elements of a list in a specified order. When you apply this method to a list, it sorts the elements in ascending order by default, but you can also customize it to sort in descending order by using additional parameters. This method modifies the original list in place and does not return a new list.

Sorting is fundamental for organizing data and making it easier to retrieve information, analyze datasets, or perform other operations where order matters. This capability is essential in many applications, from data analysis to creating visually appealing outputs.

The other options don't accurately describe the function of the sort() method. For instance, reversing the order of list items is achieved through a different method, while duplicating or filtering elements would involve different techniques altogether, such as using slicing or list comprehensions.