Java: What is the difference between Stream.sorted() and Stream.map()?

sorted() — reorders elements. map() — transforms elements. Think of sorted() as rearranging deck cards by value, while map() as replacing each card with a different card.

sorted():

• Intermediate operation.
• Returns sorted Stream.
• Uses natural ordering or Comparator.
• Stateful — must buffer all elements.

1List<Integer> result = List.of(3,1,4,1,5).stream()
2    .sorted()
3    .toList();
4// [1, 1, 3, 4, 5]

map():

• Intermediate operation.
• Returns transformed Stream.
• Applies function to each element.
• Stateless.

1List<Integer> result = List.of(1,2,3).stream()
2    .map(x -> x * 2)
3    .toList();
4// [2, 4, 6]

Key difference:

• sorted() — reorder, stateful.
• map() — transform, stateless.