Why is it advisable to avoid sorting items in code using LINQ?

The rationale behind avoiding sorting items in code using LINQ, particularly the concern about confusing authors, stems from the need for consistency and clarity in the content authoring experience. When authors create and manage content within Sitecore's Content Editor, they expect to view and interact with items in a specific order, which is often defined by their own organizational logic or Sitecore's inherent item sorting (such as by name or date).

If LINQ is employed to sort items differently within the code, it can lead to discrepancies between what authors see in the Content Editor and what is presented in the application. Such discrepancies can create confusion, as authors may be unable to reconcile the differences, leading to frustration and potential errors in content management. Maintaining a consistent item order across both the code and the Content Editor promotes a more intuitive workflow for content authors and helps ensure that they can locate and manage items effectively without undue cognitive load.

In contrast to this, other factors like complexity, performance, and filtering capabilities are valid considerations, but they do not directly address the critical importance of maintaining a coherent and consistent author experience. Hence, while all the options reflect relevant aspects of coding practices, the primary reason to avoid sorting items in code via LINQ is to ensure that authors have a