Introduce sorting and distinct operation improvements

[mohamedsamehsalah]

Problem

Performing an expensive sort operation on data that will largely be discarded by the subsequent distinct operation should be avoided.

Description of the proposed new feature

• Support a stylistic preference.
• Avoid a common gotcha, or potential problem.
• Improve performance.

I would like to rewrite the following code:

stream.sorted().distinct()
// Rewrite to:
stream.distinct().sorted()

flux.sort().distinct()
// Rewrite to:
flux.distinct().sort()

Considerations

These rewrite rules can be implemented using Refaster by adding new rules to StreamRules and ReactorRules respectively.

Consider the overloads of the sort, sorted, and distinct APIs.

Participation

• I am willing to submit a pull request to implement this improvement.

[mohamedsamehsalah]

Will assign to @Carlos-CBS.

[mohamedsamehsalah]

Closed; Will assign internally.