On Sat, Apr 5, 2025, at 14:15, Kayck Matias wrote:
> *INTRODUCTION*
> This RFC proposes the addition of a new global function `blank()` to PHP’s
> core, intended to provide a more intuitive and context-sensitive way of
> checking for "blank" values. This function is *not a replacement* for
> `empty()`, but a *complementary tool *to help developers more accurately
> evaluate user input, query parameters, and form values — particularly in
> situations where `empty()` may behave in unintuitive ways.
>
>
> *MOTIVATION
*The motivation for this RFC arose from a real-world issue I encountered at
work involving query string filtering — specifically when using the string
`"0"` as a filter value. Because `empty("0")` evaluates to `true`, the logic
skipped this valid input, causing incorrect behavior in the application. This
highlighted a gap in PHP’s current toolset for handling “blank” values in a
more semantic and intention-aligned way.
I would personally advocate that empty() NEVER be used on strings. There are
too many edge cases. As I said in an earlier message on the thread, if you want
to know if a string is empty, just do $string == "" -- note the double equals,
not triple equals. This matches null, an actual empty string, and false, but
won't match anything else.
> *PROPOSAL*
> The proposed `blank()` function will behave similarly to `empty()`, but with
> semantics better suited for filtering, validation, and user input. Its
> primary goals are:
> • To treat whitespace-only strings as blank (e.g., `" "`).
>
> • To treat `"0"` (string zero) and `0` (int zero) as *not blank*, unlike
> `empty()`.
>
> • To support clearer, intention-driven logic when working with dynamic
> input, especially in query strings and HTTP forms.
>
> Function Signature
>
> function blank(mixed $value): bool;
> **
> Logic (PHP version)
> function blank(mixed $value): bool
> {
> if (
> false === $value ||
> (empty($value) && '0' != $value) ||
> (\is_string($value) && '' === \trim($value))
> ) {
> return true;
> }
>
> return false;
> }
> Examples
> echo blank(null); // true
> echo blank(false); // true
> echo blank(""); // true
> echo blank(" "); // true
> echo blank([]); // true
>
> echo blank(0); // false
> echo blank("0"); // false
> echo blank("test"); // false
> echo blank([0]); // false
I agree with most of these. I do not agree that " " (a space) is blank though.
For people without last names, this is often their last name to pass validation
on forms. As I said earlier, a simple loose check with an empty string is
usually all you need, not empty().
> Best Regards,
> Kayck Matias ☕
— Rob
