Python: Sort a list of elements using Radix sort

Python Search and Sorting : Exercise-19 with Solution

Write a Python program to sort a list of elements using Radix sort.
According to Wikipedia "In computer science, radix sort is a non-comparative integer sorting algorithm that sorts data with integer keys by grouping keys by the individual digits which share the same significant position and value".

Sample Solution:

Python Code:

def radix_sort(nums):
    RADIX = 10
    placement = 1
    max_digit = max(nums)

    while placement < max_digit:
      buckets = [list() for _ in range( RADIX )]
      for i in nums:
        tmp = int((i / placement) % RADIX)
        buckets[tmp].append(i)
      a = 0
      for b in range( RADIX ):
        buck = buckets[b]
        for i in buck:
          nums[a] = i
          a += 1
      placement *= RADIX
    return nums
user_input = input("Input numbers separated by a comma:\n").strip()
nums = [int(item) for item in user_input.split(',')]
print(radix_sort(nums))

Sample Output:

Input numbers separated by a comma:
 15, 79, 25, 68, 37
[15, 25, 37, 68, 79]

Flowchart:

Python Code Editor:

Contribute your code and comments through Disqus.

Previous: Write a Python program to sort a list of elements using Pancake sort.
Next: Write a Python program to sort a list of elements using Selection sort.