What is sorting in computer science?

Sorting in computer science refers to the process of organizing data in a systematic way, usually in a specific order such as ascending or descending. This is fundamental in various applications as it allows for easier data management, retrieval, and analysis. Efficiently sorted data can improve the performance of algorithms, particularly in searching and merging datasets. For example, when data is sorted, algorithms can quickly determine the position of items or find ranges of values, resulting in faster operations. Understanding sorting is crucial for implementing algorithms that enhance the efficiency of data handling and manipulation.

The other options pertain to different concepts: data compression is about reducing the size of data, searching involves locating specific elements within a dataset, and encryption focuses on securing data by converting it into a coded format for confidentiality. These are distinct from sorting and address separate functionalities in computer science.