php - check if $_POST is array?

Question

I know this may be a silly question, but I come across a snippet of php code that check if the $_POST is_array() before execute other functions.

Answer 1

$_POST is always an array, they're probably checking if a certain $_POST value is an array.

<input name="test" /> $_POST['test'] is not an array

<input name="test[]" /> $_POST['test'] is an array

Answer 2

If it hasn't been changed in some manner like

$_POST = 'not array';

then it is array ;-)

Answer 3

That check is unnecessary. $_POST is a superglobal array which is always defined. You should just check for specific elements using isset

Answer 4

Its always an array as many already gave said.

I think the intention is maybe to check for an empty array. !empty($_POST) should do just fine.

Maybe the coder has sections where the array is changed to a string (dumb if you ask me) and wants to make the check, else if that statement comes first, then its unnecessary

Answer 5

• $_POST is a superglobal and is always defined (always exists) and is always an array
• this is true, even if it doesn't contain any elements
• it is possible though, if not advisable and I've never seen it, to overwrite or unset it
• you don't need isset() and is_array() for the $_POST array but you will quite often need them for elements in the $_POST array

Answer 6

PHP makes sure that $_POST is always an array, you don't need to do that check unless somewhere in your code you either unset or overwrite $_POST somehow.