[SOLVED] Best way to check for a variable?

[davidz]

When checking whether or not a variable is set which method is better coding practice?

if ($_SESSION['value1']){
//Do some code
}
else {
//Do something else
}

OR

if (isset($_SESSION['value1'])){
//Do some code
}
else {
//Do something else
}

They both work just fine, the first one gives a warning error.

 

Thanks!!

[per1os]

The second is better, it is good practice to always check to see if there is a value when pulling GET POST or SESSION data.

 

--FrosT

[Orio]

The problem with the first method is, that if that variable holds boolean false, 0, an empty array, empty string, a string that holds 0 or NULL (I hope I didn't skip anything) the condition will be false and then it won't work. Using isset() is much better.

 

Orio.

[davidz]

Thanks for the input!!