When you open your applications folder or any folder in your home folder
the menu in the upper left has your view options.To view as icons, lists or column view, then at the bottom of the menu list you'll see Show View Options.
There are 2 selections for that particular folder only or all folders
to keep arranged by name, date, size,kind or label.
You can either select to arrange the folder you have open or all folders.
If you keep arranged by name for all folders, then any time you add something to one of your folders it will be in alphabetical order.