Python lexicographically orders tuples, strings, and all other sequences, comparing element-by-element.

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Lexicographical ordering in Python explains how strings, tuples, lists, and all sequences are compared element-by-element, similar to alphabetical ordering. Python uses Unicode code points to determine character order, meaning uppercase letters sort before lowercase. The comparison works by finding the first differing element; if one sequence is a prefix of another, the shorter one is considered less. This behavior is practically useful for multi-key sorting: placing values in tuples in priority order lets Python's built-in sort handle hierarchical ordering automatically, such as sorting alumni by year, then last name, then first name.

Lexicographical ordering in Python

Lexicographical ordering with different lengths

Lexicographical ordering works with all sequences

Use lexicographical ordering for hierarchical comparisons