Laravel 5 - validate array as required, but allow an empty array to be passed
Stefan Izdrail
Founder & Senior Architect · 2026-06-29
Title: A Practical Solution for Validating Array Presence with Optional Empty Arrays in Laravel 5.4
Introduction: Laravel's validation system offers robust rules to ensure user input is within the desired boundaries, but sometimes we need more flexibility when validating arrays. In Laravel 5.4, there are a couple of methods to maintain an array field presence without causing issues with empty or null values. Let's explore the various approaches and their pros and cons.
Method 1: The Documented Approach (`required`)
```php
public function createSomeResource(Request $request)
{
$this->validate($request, [
'items' => 'required',
]);
...
}
```
Pros: Simple and well-documented.
Cons: It fails for empty arrays and can be considered strict in cases where the requirement is presence (as opposed to non-emptiness).
Method 2: Using `required_unless` with an Empty Array Condition
```php
public function createSomeResource(Request $request)
{
$this->validate($request, [
'items' => 'required_unless:items,[]',
]);
...
}
```
Pros: Accepts empty arrays and validates other cases appropriately.
Cons: The documentation seems to suggest that the second field in the "required_unless" rule cannot be an empty array. This might not work as expected for certain scenarios, or it could be a bug in Laravel.
Method 3: Using `present|array` Rule (Laravel Version 5.4.x)
```php
public function createSomeResource(Request $request)
{
$this->validate($request, [
'items' => 'present|array',
]);
...
}
```
Pros: Accepts empty arrays and validates other cases appropriately.
Cons: An empty string ('') passes the `present|array` rule which might be undesirable if you want to prevent passing null values. As mentioned in the introduction, this could indicate a possible bug within Laravel. It's also worth noting that there is an open issue on Laravel's github repository for this specific behavior (https://github.com/laravel/framework/issues/18948).
Method 4: Custom Validation Rules
```php
public function createSomeResource(Request $request)
{
$this->validate($request, [
'items' => new CustomEmptyArrayPresenceRule,
]);
...
}
```
Pros: Enables you to customize validation rules according to your specific needs. This approach is suitable for more complex scenarios and can be added as a package/library if needed.
Cons: Requires additional effort in creating and maintaining the custom rule, especially when compared to other simpler methods.
In conclusion, each method has its pros and cons. Method 4 might be the best choice if you want complete control over your validation rules. If none of these solutions fit your needs, consider adding a note in the documentation or opening an issue on Laravel's github repository for further discussion and improvement.
Conclusion: The blog post offers various approaches to solve the specific validation problem with flexible array presence validation in Laravel 5.4, including possible issues or limitations related to each method. By providing multiple solutions, users can pick the most suitable approach based on their requirements and preferences while ensuring a well-structured codebase.