1.2.409. 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.

A method is considered empty when it contains nothing, or contains expressions without impact. Methods which overwrite another methods are omitted. 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() {}
}

?>

1.2.409.1. Suggestions

• Fill the function with actual code

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

1.2.409.2. Specs

Short name	Functions/EmptyFunction
Rulesets	All, Analyze
Exakat since	0.8.4
PHP Version	All
Severity	Minor
Time To Fix	Quick (30 mins)
Precision	High
Features	function
Examples	Contao
Available in	Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud