isnotempty

This page explains how to use the isnotempty function in APL.

The isnotempty function returns true if the argument isn’t an empty string and isn’t null. Use this function to filter for records with valid, non-empty values, ensure data quality, or validate that required fields contain actual content.

For users of other query languages

If you come from other query languages, this section explains how to adjust your existing queries to achieve the same results in APL.

Splunk SPL users

In Splunk SPL, you check for non-empty values using conditions like field!="" and isnotnull(field). APL’s isnotempty combines both checks.

Splunk example

| where field!="" AND isnotnull(field)

ANSI SQL users

In ANSI SQL, you check for non-empty and non-null values using separate conditions. APL’s isnotempty provides a more concise approach.

SQL example

SELECT * FROM logs WHERE field IS NOT NULL AND field <> '';

Usage

Syntax

isnotempty(value)

Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Description
value	scalar	Yes	The value to check for non-emptiness and non-null.

Returns

Returns true if the value is not an empty string and not null, otherwise returns false.

Use case examples

Log analysis

Filter HTTP logs to only include requests with valid geographic information for accurate location-based analytics.

Query

['sample-http-logs']
| where isnotempty(['geo.city']) and isnotempty(['geo.country'])
| summarize request_count = count() by ['geo.city'], ['geo.country']
| sort by request_count desc
| limit 10

Run in Playground

Output

geo.city	geo.country	request_count
New York	United States	2341
London	United Kingdom	1987
Tokyo	Japan	1654
Paris	France	1432

This query filters requests to only include those with complete geographic information, ensuring accurate location-based analysis without null or empty values.

List of related functions

• isempty: Returns true if a value is empty or null. Use this for the inverse check of isnotempty.
• isnotnull: Checks only if a value is not null. Use this when you specifically need to test for null without checking for empty strings.
• strlen: Returns the length of a string. Use this when you need to ensure strings have minimum content length beyond just being non-empty.
• coalesce: Returns the first non-null or non-empty value. Use this to select from multiple fields or provide defaults.