1.2.209. Concat Empty String¶
Using a concatenation to make a value a string should be replaced with a type cast.
Type cast to a string is done with (string) operator. There is also the function strval(), although it is less recommended.
<?php
$a = 3;
// explicite way to cast a value
$b = (string) $a; // $b is a string with the content 3
// Wrong way to cast a value
$c = $a . ''; // $c is a string with the content 3
$c = '' . $a; // $c is a string with the content 3
$a .= ''; // $a is a string with the content 3
// Wrong way to cast a value
$c = $a . '' . $b; // This is not reported. The empty string is useless, but not meant to type cast
?>
See also Type Casting and PHP Type Casting.
1.2.209.1. Suggestions¶
Avoid concatenating with empty strings
Use (string) operator to cast to string
Remove any concatenated empty string
1.2.209.2. Specs¶
Short name |
Structures/ConcatEmpty |
Rulesets |
|
Exakat since |
1.8.0 |
PHP Version |
All |
Severity |
Minor |
Time To Fix |
Quick (30 mins) |
Precision |
Very high |
Features |
string |
Available in |