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 P.
– Alin P., Commented Apr 13, 2011 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
– n92, Commented Apr 13, 2011 at 13:07

Your Common Sense · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-13 13:29:36Z

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
}

answered Apr 13, 2011 at 13:12

Your Common Sense

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5 Comments

@Vinay it seems empty() is better anyway

but empty gives me that array has values

@Vinay what PHP version you're using?

in local machine php 5 and in server its php 4

array_filter is really handy! never used it before today, but it solves my problem! thank you!

mark-cs · Accepted Answer · 2011-04-13 13:02:48Z

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, 2011 at 13:02

mark-cs

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