Problem with K2 Plugins - Joomla - Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array

Question

Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/......./archi/html/com_k2/templates/default/item.php on line 398

 396 <!-- K2 Plugins: K2BeforeDisplayContent -->
 397 <?php echo $this->item->event->K2BeforeDisplayContent; ?>
 398 <?php if($this->item->params->get('itemExtraFields') && count($this->item->extra_fields)): ?>

Тhis error appears in the blog part and in particular by entering the separate stratum. Not in the general review, but in the specific article.

Answer 1

Since the value of $this->item->extra_fields is either an array or null, you don't need to check if it "is set" with !empty() or isset(); a truthy value check is all that is required.

if ($this->item->params->get('itemExtraFields') && $this->item->extra_fields) {

By writing $this->item->extra_fields (without any function calls or operators) into the conditional expression, it is checked for "truthiness" or in other words checking its boolean value.

• null has a boolean value of false.
• an empty array has a boolean value of false.
• a non-empty array has a boolean value of true.

Here is a quick demonstration.

So, if the extra_fields property is not null and not an empty array, then it will pass the conditional criteria and enter that branch of the condition block.

If there is any possibility that $this->item->extra_fields might not be set, then the safer technique is to call !empty() on it. Using !empty() for ALL falsey checks in a project will lead to loads of unnecessary code bloat. If you are assured that a variable will be declared/set, then don't make the function call. (Objects are a different matter and cannot be treated the same way, but I will not digress.)

Answer 2

$this->item->extra_fields is most likely empty/null and therefore not an array or object, so PHP cannot count it.

I believe you can add an additional check to see if it's empty and set, like so:

<?php if (!empty($this->item->extra_fields) && isset($this->item->extra_fields)) : ?>
    <?php if ($this->item->params->get('itemExtraFields') && count($this->item->extra_fields)) : ?>
        // Do something
    <?php endif; ?>
<?php endif; ?>

Answer 3

Now I had time to look at the feedback/answer.

I checked the value with var_dump() and it showed NULL.

The problem was solved with a correction of the check which @mickmackusa mentioned:

<?php if ($this->item->params->get('itemExtraFields') && !empty($this->item->extra_fields)): ?>