1.2.412. Empty Function

Function or method whose body is empty.

Such functions or methods are rarely useful. As a bare minimum, the function should return some useful value, even if constant; it may also throw an exception, trigger an error or simply die.

A method is considered empty when it contains nothing and it doesn’t overwrite a parent’s method. Constructors with promoted properties are considered non-empty.

Methods which are the concrete version of an abstract method are considered.

<?php

// classic empty function
function emptyFunction() {}

class bar {
    // classic empty method
    function emptyMethod() {}

    // classic empty function
    function emptyMethodWithParent() {}
}

class barbar extends bar {
    // NOT an empty method : it overwrites the parent method
    function emptyMethodWithParent() {}
}

?>

1.2.412.1. Connex PHP features

1.2.412.1.1. Suggestions

  • Fill the function with actual code

  • Remove any usage of the function, then remove the function

1.2.412.1.2. Specs

Short name

Functions/EmptyFunction

Rulesets

All, Analyze, Changed Behavior

Exakat since

0.8.4

PHP Version

All

Severity

Minor

Time To Fix

Quick (30 mins)

Precision

High

Examples

Contao

Available in

Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud