Return a value if a PHP GET doesn't exist?

Question

I have lots of PHP statements along the lines of:

$getvalue = $_GET['valueiwant'];

In some scenarios not all variables are available. So, let's say 'valueiwant' doesn't exist in the URL string, how can I return a value based on the fact it doesn't exist?

For example if 'valueiwant' can't be found set $getvalue to -1

Currently it appears the value defaults to 0 and I need to be equal less than 0 if it doesn't exist.

Any ideas?

thanks

You're really stuck on this? You've got no ideas whatsoever how this might be done? — Wesley Murch, Mar 04 '13 at 20:58
Instead of `isset`/`empty`, use [`filter_input`](http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.filter-input.php) — Salman A, Mar 04 '13 at 21:01

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 04 '13 at 20:57

5

I always use

$getvalue=isset($_GET['valueiwant'])?$_GET['valueiwant']:-1;

answered Mar 04 '13 at 20:57

Voitcus

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Perfect, although I prefer `array_key_exists()` instead of `isset()` because isset will return `false` if the value is null – Michel Feldheim Mar 04 '13 at 21:02
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@MichelFeldheim `$_GET` data will never contain a null value unless you intentionally inject it. – Wesley Murch Mar 04 '13 at 21:03
Perfect, thank you. Will accept the answer in 5 minutes when I'm allowed! – Dan Mar 04 '13 at 21:07
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@MichelFeldheim: I think $_GET are always of `string` type, even if it is a number. If you want `NULL` you'll get an empty string (length 0). – Voitcus Mar 04 '13 at 21:07

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 04 '13 at 20:58

0

Use of the isset() function checks if the offset exists, and returns a boolean value indicating it's existence.

This means that you can structure an if statement around the output.

answered Mar 04 '13 at 20:58

christopher

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Return a value if a PHP GET doesn't exist?

2 Answers2