Presumably on some programming exam where they asked for this. Generally (in any field, not just sorting algorithms) I think there's value in understanding the

Presumably on some programming exam where they asked for this. Generally (in any field, not just sorting algorithms) I think there's value in understanding the step-by-step evolution of technology to reach the current state of the art, whatever that is. And it does occasionally happen that the state of the art breaks (Russia jams the GPS signal), and then we have to backtrack() to some earlier version of tech. Better hope it still works and we remember how to use it!