How do I determine if an array is empty in PHP?

Question

I want to check that an array has no values or that the values in the array are empty. Can someone explain how to do this?

What do you mean by "array values is empty"? Useful functions/constructs: `is_array`, `count`, `empty`, `isset`. It all depends on what *exactly* you're trying to test. — Alin Purcaru, Apr 13 '11 at 13:02
here is an array with no values only keys .i used count and empty but those functions are saying array has values .Array ( [delegate_title] => [delegate_firstname] => [delegate_lastname] => [delegate_jobtitle] => [delegate_email] => [delegate_phone] => [is_bringing_own_laptop] => ) — n92, Apr 13 '11 at 13:07

Your Common Sense · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-13T13:29:36.157

21

Someday I've learned very smart solution here on SO

if(!array_filter($array)) {
  //array contains only empty values
}

or even smarter one (if applicable):

if(!array_filter($array,'trim')) {
  //array contains only empty values
}

edited Apr 13 '11 at 13:29

answered Apr 13 '11 at 13:12

Your Common Sense

@Vinay it seems empty() is better anyway – Your Common Sense Apr 13 '11 at 13:18
1

but empty gives me that array has values – n92 Apr 13 '11 at 13:21
@Vinay what PHP version you're using? – Your Common Sense Apr 13 '11 at 13:23
in local machine php 5 and in server its php 4 – n92 Apr 13 '11 at 13:29
array_filter is really handy! never used it before today, but it solves my problem! thank you! – AO_ Nov 13 '12 at 13:39

score 11 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 13 '11 at 13:02

11

You want the empty() function, here's the documentation of the empty function http://php.net/manual/en/function.empty.php

answered Apr 13 '11 at 13:02

mark-cs

2 Answers2