How to Check If an Array Exists and Not Empty in JavaScript

Topic: JavaScript / jQueryPrev|Next

Answer: Use the typeof Operator in combination with isArray() Method and length Property

You can simply use the JavaScript typeof operator in combination with the isArray() method and the length property to check if an array exist as well as if it is non-empty.

In the following example the variable myVar will pass the test if and only if it is defined and it is an array with at least one element. Experiment with the variable value and see how it works:

// Sample variable
var myVar = [1, 2, 3];

// Testing variable
if(typeof myVar != 'undefined' && Array.isArray(myVar) && myVar.length > 0) {
    console.log("The array exists and it is not empty.");
} else {
    console.log("The variable failed the test.");
}

Related FAQ

Here are some more FAQ related to this topic:

• How to foreach over an array in JavaScript
• How to check if a value exists in an array in JavaScript
• How to remove empty elements from an array in JavaScript