Abstract: A method is disclosed of sorting data in an electronic data processing system utilizing a digital computer and at least one random access device such as, for example, a magnetic disc or drum unit. A first simulation is performed to optimize the utilization of the resources of the data processing system. This simulation is based on information relating to characteristics of the data processing system available to the sorting function as well as known or predicted information concerning the data to be sorted. The input data is ordered into a plurality of strings of data which are generated by a selection technique known as quadratic selection replacement. The number of strings generated is minimized by determining if data bias exists, and if unfavorable or negative bias is discovered, the order of string generation is reversed.