Codeigniter - Perform action if database query returns no results

Question

How can I return a value of 'no data found' if my query returns no results???

This is my code:

    function getTerms($letter) {


    $this->db->select('term, definition');
    $this->db->from('glossary');
    $this->db->where(array('letter' => $letter));

    $query = $this->db->get();

    foreach ($query->result() as $row) {
        $data[] = array(
            'term' => $row->term,
            'definition' => $row->definition
        );
    }

    return $data;
}

It currently returns the $data variable even if the query returns no results which is giving me php errors. How can I check that there are results before returning the $data array.

score 13 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:39

13

Simply check that the query returns at least one row:

if ($query->num_rows() > 0) {
    // query returned results
} else {
    // query returned no results
}

Read more in the docs

answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:39

Colin Brock

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score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:42

It currently returns the $data variable even if the query returns no results which is giving me php errors.

It's a good habit to initialize the array that you intend to build:

$data = array();
// Loop through possible results, adding to $data

If there are no results you'll get an empty array returned, then check that in your controller.

This way, at least the variable is defined and you won't get notices.

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:43

2

What about to give initial empty array value for $data Just put

$data = array();

before foreach

answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:43

Vadim

5,154
2
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score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:45

1

<?php

    return is_array($data) ? $data : array();
}

answered Nov 09 '11 at 15:45

Igor Parra

10,214
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Codeigniter - Perform action if database query returns no results

4 Answers4