If you are satisfied with an approximation of "DISTINCT", there is a facinating probabilistic algorithm by Flajolet and Martin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flajolet%E2%80%93Martin_algori...
which fits on 10 lines and does not require sorting. Improved versions of it are LogLog and HyperLogLog.
Hard to make a case to engange with an AI written article even if not fully slop
alt Hacker News
If you are satisfied with an approximation of "DISTINCT", there is a facinating probabilistic algorithm by Flajolet and Martin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flajolet%E2%80%93Martin_algori...
which fits on 10 lines and does not require sorting. Improved versions of it are LogLog and HyperLogLog.