What is the difference between skip and dense in Rank?

In ranking, both “skip” and “dense” refer to different methods of handling ties, i.e., situations where multiple items have the same rank. Here’s how they differ:

1. Dense Ranking:
   • In dense ranking, tied items receive the same rank, and the next rank is assigned sequentially without skipping any numbers.
   • Example: If two items tie for 1st place, they both get rank 1, and the next item will get rank 2 (no skipping).
   Example:
   • Items ranked: [A, B, C, D]
   • If A and B tie for 1st, then C is 2nd, and D is 3rd.
   • Ranking: [1, 1, 2, 3]
2. Skip Ranking (also known as Standard or 122 Ranking):
   • In skip ranking, tied items receive the same rank, but the next rank(s) are skipped by the number of tied items.
   • Example: If two items tie for 1st place, they both get rank 1, and the next item will get rank 3, skipping rank 2.
   Example:
   • Items ranked: [A, B, C, D]
   • If A and B tie for 1st, then C is ranked 3rd (skipping 2nd), and D is ranked 4th.
   • Ranking: [1, 1, 3, 4]