If that were specified, then the mth_to_nth_element name has merit for
Sean's
algorithm, but Marshall's is still left without a good name. Finding similar names that vary only on the use of "sort" vs. "gather", for example, would be helpful.
One problem with both "gather" and "into" is that they suggest picking or inserting additional elements, whereas the algorithm just rearranges values. Rearranging to some criterion is sorting IMO. One problem with "into" is that it implies insertion, and therefore also picking up additional elements. I think the discussion so far underestimates how much information is in the argument names. If you have to provide a range and a subrange it is clear that the function is not just sorting the subrange. Some possible alternatives for mth_to_nth_element are: - stratum (as in stratification) - league - echelon An alternative for subrange could be segment: sort_to_league(range, segment); // Sean's function sort_to_unsorted_league( range, segment); // Marshall's function or sort_to_sorted_stratum(range, segment); // Sean's function sort_to_stratum (range, segment); // Marshall's function or sorted_stratify (range, segment) ; // Sean's function stratify (range, segment) ; // Marshall's function