Larme wrote: > I have to write the code as > > result = data.sort {|x, y| x[col].to_i <=> y[col].to_i } > > to let the script run properly. I'm quite confused here. I think the > elements of array data are converted to integer when the code > > data[counter].map! {|str| str.to_i} > > finished. However why ruby still requires a explicit conversion when I > use the data.sort? If you have an array arr with n elements which you all turn into integers, arr[i] with i>=n will still be nil. So if in your case not all rows have more than col columns, that would explain the problem. HTH, Sebastian Hungerecker -- NP: Kataklysm - Where the Enemy Sleeps... Ist so, weil ist so Bleibt so, weil war so