1.2.1308. Use === null

It is faster to use === null than the function is_null().

This is a micro-optimisation. And being used frequently, and in loops, it may yield visible speed up.

<?php

// Operator === is faster
if ($a === null) {

}

// Function call is slow
if (is_null($a)) {

}
?>

See also is_null.

1.2.1308.1. Suggestions

  • Use === comparison instead of is_null

1.2.1308.2. Specs

Short name

Php/IsnullVsEqualNull

Rulesets

All, Analyze, CE, CI-checks, Changed Behavior, php-cs-fixable

Exakat since

0.8.4

PHP Version

All

Severity

Minor

Time To Fix

Quick (30 mins)

Precision

Very high

Features

strict-comparison, null

ClearPHP

avoid-those-slow-functions

Available in

Entreprise Edition, Community Edition, Exakat Cloud