Checking that an array is empty in Javascript involves more than using !array. This is because an array is an object and you cannot simply negate an object in a conditional. With that said, the code block below will never run.

const countries = []
if (!countries) {
  console.log("No country has been added")
}

Checking that an array is empty in a conditional

To test for an empty array, you use the length method, either by

1. Comparing the length to zero using ===
2. Simply negating the length

Comparing the length to zero

Using our countries example, we can test for emptiness using

const countries = []
if (countries.length === 0) {
  console.log("No country has been added")
}

This code is readable and clean enough.

Negating the length

If you like shorter code, you can simply negate the length using

const countries = []
if (!countries.length) {
  console.log("No country has been added")
}

This works because 0 is a falsy value in Javascript. Negating a falsy value returns true. Thanks for stopping by. Adios ✌🏾🧡.

Credits

1. Cover illustration by Freepik