The best replacement for sorting is indexing.

The best alternatives to sorting are rated as following:
★★★★★  indexing
★  ordering
★  team penning
★  polarization
★  grading
★  unstable sorting
  assorting
  grouping
  external sorting

Your alternative for sorting is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about sorting, one probably shouldn't forget about vlookup.

Other search terms related to sorting and their ratings are:
★★★★★ vlookup
You have in mind a companion for sorting and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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sorting
indexing
ordering