Method for generic list sorting

A method of sorting lists in a software environment comprising a plurality of list types and a sorting program, wherein the sorting program comprises (i) a list sorter comprising a sorting component and a generic data retrieval component configured to provide data to the sorting component;

• and (ii) a list instance for each of the plurality of list types, each list instance comprising a viewable data retrieval component configured to provide data to the generic data retrieval component and at least one list instance comprising a specific data retrieval component configured to provide data to the sorting component;
• the method comprising:
• invoking the sorting component in response to receiving a first request to sort data items of a first list instance;
• calling the specific data retrieval component of the first list instance if the data items of the first list instance are not sortable in a default format;
• calling the generic data retrieval component if the data items of the first list instance are sortable in the default format;
• if the generic data retrieval component is called, calling the viewable data retrieval component;
• and
• sorting, by the sorting component, the data items of the first list instance.

A signal bearing medium, comprising a sorting program, wherein the sorting program comprises (i) a list sorter comprising a sorting component and a generic data retrieval component configured to provide data to the sorting component;

• and (ii) a list instance for each of a plurality of list types, each list instance comprising a viewable data retrieval component configured to provide data to the generic data retrieval component and at least one list instance comprising a specific data retrieval component configured to provide data to the sorting component;
• wherein the sorting program, when executed by a processor, performs a method of sorting lists, comprising:
• invoking the sorting component in response to receiving a first request to sort data items of a first list instance;
• calling the specific data retrieval component of the first list instance if the data items of the first list instance are not sortable in a default format;
• calling the generic data retrieval component if the data items of the first list instance are sortable in the default format;
• if the generic data retrieval component is called, calling the viewable data retrieval component;
• and
• sorting, by the sorting component, the data items of the first list instance.